.1..<1.41111,110.

YBREAK SERIES M JAN. - MAR./1979

dult Sabbath School Lessons

THE CHRISTIAN

LIFE AND WORK

HAVE IT

Share an understanding Saviour with friends

or loved ones on the next "Community Guest

Day."

Invite them to Sabbath School and church,

and you might gain a friend for eternity.

Community Guest Day, March 17 and October 13.

noch de Oli eira,

South American

Oeneral

Conference

Corporation ol ,Seoenik-Day Adventists

South American Division

Gahm Pond 07.1042



70000 Bruins, DP, Ba.4211

To the

Sabbath School Members Around the World

Dear Brethren:

It is my privilege to once again address the members of this wonderful inter-

national institution--the Sabbath School.

Although separated by geographical boundaries, national flags, ethnic and

language differences, we are united through the ideals of the Blessed Hope and

the surety of our faith.

This unity of ideals leads us to a plan of mutual action. Consequently, the

church around the world will join together in the carrying out of the following

projects with the Thirteenth Sabbath Special Projects Offering for this quarter:

Hospital in Santa Cruz, Bolivia

The 24,000 Adventists in Bolivia unanimously request the establishment of the

medical-missionary work in their country. Although they are aware of the

challenges they face, they are convinced of the importance of the "right arm of

the message" in the finishing of God's work in their territory.

Belgrano Clinic in Buenos Aires, Argentina

The contribution of the Belgrano Clinic to the Argentine missionary strategy has

been notably outstanding. As the clinic enlarges its installations and modernizes

its equipment, it will enhance the effectiveness of the Adventist program of

penetration in the aristocratic sections of this great capital city. A portion

of the Special Projects Offering for this quarter will assist in the modernization

of the clinic's equipment.

Academy in the South Argentine Conference

For our Argentine brethren, Christian education is more than a simple option; it

is imperative. Thanks to its educational institutions, the work of God in the

Austral Union has cast deep roots, experienced an increase in membership, and

reached admirable denominational strength. Keeping this in mind, the members would

like to add another school to their chain of institutions in the southern part of

the country.

We feel certain that the S



Sch•ol members around the world will contribute

generously, as in the pa



offerings, advancing the projects mentioned.

Wily

anticip ted gratefu



•rother in the Blessed Hope,

1—A.L. 1-79

ARE Y ENIFENITTELY HAP

"Christ would never have left the royal courts . . . had He not

seen that man might, with His help, become infinitely happy"

(Testimonies for the Church,

Vol. 3, p. 540).

The Southern Publish-

ing Association presents

another Sabbath School

supplementary book to

help you get more from

your Sabbath School les-

sons this quarter.

Infinitely Happy

takes

seriously Jesus' promise

to provide His disciples

with the more abundant

life and explores the ways

and means that your life

can measure up to what

Jesus' fondest dreams

expect it to be for you.

Infinitely Happy,

one of

the most practical books

you'll ever read, reveals

how you can realize

God's desire that

you be happy in all

you do

how you can enjoy

the abundant life de-

spite the surround-

ing chaos that may

usher in the twenty-

first century

how you can find

meaning in life once

you understand the

true nature of Chris-

tian obligation and

responsibility

how you can re-

spond to—not react

against—a wicked

world

how you can sur-

mount the ever-

changing challenges

of life

how you can select a

vocation worthy of

Christ's high ideal for

you

how you can get

along successfully

with your daily as-

sociates

how you can wit-

ness honestly and

effectively—without

sounding artificial

how you can achieve

God's expectations

for you even at

home—when you

are most yourself

how you can help

speed the Second

Advent

how you can be infi-

nitely happy now—

not some time only

after the millennium

G. Arthur Keough, au-

thor of both this quarter's

lessons and

Infinitely

Happy,

is associate direc-

tor of the external degree

department of Columbia

Union College, where he

has served for the past

thirteen years. Graduat-

ing with an MA from An-

drews University, he also

holds a diploma in Educa-

tion from London Univer-

sity. Founder of Middle

East College and its presi-

dent for four years,

Keough served as a mis-

sionary for nearly three

decades.

You can purchase this

Sabbath School lesson

help from your Adventist

Book Center or order

from the ABC Mailing

Service, P.O. Box 3748'5,

Omaha, NE 68137. Send

U.S. $3.50

plus 50e for

postage on the first book

and 200 for each addi-

tional book. Add local

sales tax.

PRODUCED FOR YOUR ENRICHMENT BY

SOUTHERN PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION

In Canada: P.O. Box 398, Oshawa, Ontario UN 7L5

DAYBREAK gl

k SERIES

Adult Sabbath School Lessons/No. 335, January-March, 1979

Contrt

1. Our Heavenly Father

2. Man's Response to God

3. Motives

4. The Privilege of Work

The Call to Service

Concern for Others

The Grace of Giving

Obligations in the Home

Responsibilities of Training

10.

Facilities for Worship

11.

Speeding the Second Advent

12.

Rich in Good Works

13.

Rejoicing in the Lord

The Adult Sabbath School Lessons are prepared by the Sabbath School Department

of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the lessons

is directed by a worldwide Sabbath School Lesson Committee, the members of which

serve as consulting editors.

Editorial Office: 6840 Eastern Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20012

Lesson Author: G. Arthur Keough

Editor: W. Richard Lesher

Editorial Secretary: Florence L. Wetmore

Circulation Manager: Arthur R. Mazat

Art and Design: Pacific Press

Scripture references other than from the King James Version used in this quarterly are as follows:

Jerusalem. From

The Jerusalem Bible,

Co., Inc. Used by permission of the publishers.

NEB. From

The New English Bible,

of the Cambridge University Press 1961 and 1970. Used by permission of Cambridge University Press, New York

City.

Phillips. From The New

Testament in Modern English,

Phillips. Used by permission of The Macmillan Company and Collins Publishers.

RSV. From the

Revised Standard Version Bible,

Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and used by

permission.

Braille lessons available. See page 112.

Adult Sabbath School Lessons (standard edition). Published quarterly by Pacific

Press Publishing Association, 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California 94042,

U.S.A. One year subscription in U.S.A., $2.00; single copy, 50 cents. One year sub-

scription to countries outside U.S.A., $2.60; single copy, 65 cents. All prices at U.S.A.

exchange. Second-class postage paid at Mountain View, California 94042, U.S.A.

When a change of address is desired, please send both old and new addresses.

d 1t

sal

bath school Lesson,

ucation for

Eternity

We need a daily contact with God's Word to stay

spiritually strong. The Adult Sabbath School Les-

sons present a systematic daily study program on

significant Bible topics.

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK

Introduction

Down through the centuries God has had a people dedicated to Him. While many in

the world have followed selfish pleasure, eating and drinking, marrying and giving in

marriage without regard to God and His principles of righteousness, others have

recognized that life has no meaning if it is not related to God who created the world,

and activity is empty and futile if it is not imbued with a spirit of love and gratitude.

The basic concept of these lessons is stewardship and responsibility. We are not

our own, free to do whatever we please. We are not ourselves the source of what we

are and have. All is of grace. We are born into a community where there are duties and

obligations to God and to one another. The center of our thinking is to be for others,

as God's concern has been for us. We live in a world of interrelationships, with ties

that cannot be lightly severed. Thus we need to learn how we can relate to God and

other persons and on what basis we should do so. In this way we can experience a

fullness of life.

We begin our lessons by noting some characteristics of our heavenly Father. It is

because of what God is and does for man that man finds himself willingly acknow-

ledging his obligationsto Him. It is not a matter of blind obedience, legal and cold, but

a response of love because of God's love for man.

This response may take many forms, and it is these various forms that we will study

after the first lesson. We will notice first that there will be a consent to pay a tithe of all

increase so that there will always be money in the treasury to do the work of the Lord.

Additional offerings will flow from a heart of love and gratitude.

Work, which was assigned to man from the beginning, is looked upon as a privilege

and a blessing, especially that work which furthers God's plans and purposes. To

witness to the truth, to follow in the footsteps of the Master, and to live on earth as

Jesus lived, these are activities that are basic to the person wholly dedicated to God.

There is always a concern for others, for others are not always as privileged as

some. One must not close one's eyes to the needy all around. There is therefore a

constant giving, which is the corollary of a constant receiving from the heavenly

Father.

The ties of the family are especially important. The parents are as God to their

children, and they have the responsibility of seeing that their children receive a

Christian heritage. As the children grow older, they need to be trained for the service

of God and man. The Christian school has a definite role to play that may be costly,

but that must not be neglected.

A suitable place for worship is also the responsibility of God's dedicated people to

provide. Just as God asked for the building of the tabernacle that He might dwell

among His people in the days of old, so God expects His people to gather together for

worship today. At the same time God's people preach the gospel to hasten the second

coming.

None of these responses is of merit toward salvation. Jesus' righteousness alone

gains admission to the kingdom for His people. But those whom He has saved will

cooperate with the Lord in His work for this lost world.

LESSON 1 December 31 to January 6

Our Heave

Father

"The earth is the Lord's, and the

fulness thereof; the world and they

that dwell therein. For he hath

founded it upon the seas, and

established it upon the floods" (Ps.

24:1, 2).

We have chosen to recognize that

there is a God. Some have dared to

deny His existence, but the Scripture

calls them fools. (See Ps. 53:1.)

Philosophers argue that there is no

proof to establish beyond all doubt

that there is a God. The Bible does not

attempt to prove His existence; it just

affirms that "in the beginning God

created the heaven and the earth"

(Gen. 1:1).

The psalmist wrote that "the

heavens declare the glory of God" (Ps.

19:1). And Paul was convinced that all

nature points clearly to God's eternal

power and deity. (See Rom. 1:20.)

Thus Scripture and nature provide a

very reasonable basis for belief in a

sovereign God.

It is the objective of this lesson to

see what God has done. First we note

that He is the Creator, the Source of all

being. He has done all things well, and

the crowning act of His creation was

man, created in His image. By this act

alone God is worthy of allegiance and

honor. But after man sinned, God

provided redemption for him. For this

He paid an inestimable price. This

debt we can never repay. We can only

bow in deep gratitude for all that God

has done. But God does more than pay

a price; He provides the means of

sustenance, a power that enables us to

overcome sin. How can we refuse

such infinite love and favor? But we

also need protection from the evil

one, and this too is provided by God.

God builds a protective hedge around

us. Further, God invites us to reflect

His character of goodness and love,

and then to witness to what He has

done for us. He calls us friends rather

than servants—partners in vindicating

God's true character. Can we reject

such overtures? The lesson seeks to

lay a sound foundation for recognizing

that we owe so much to God that we

cannot even begin to pay back what

God has done for us. We can only

dedicate our lives to God and become

His children.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

Creator

(Ps. 33:8, 9)

Redeemer

(Isa. 43:1)

Sustainer

(Acts 14:17)

Protector

(Ps. 91:2, 3, 11)

Sanctifier

(1 Thess. 5:23)

Lord

(Matt. 28:18-20)

MAX THARPE, MONKMEYER



Our Heavenly



Father

LESSON 1



❑

Sunday

December 31



Part 1



What reason does the psalmist give for the command for

CREATOR people to stand in awe of God?

"Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the

world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he

commanded, and It stood fast" (Ps. 33:8, 9).

According to the Scriptures, everything we see around us in

nature, including man, has come into being by God's plan and

power. Mere chance cannot account for life on earth.

Ellen White states: "The theories and speculations of

philosophy would make us believe that man has come by slow

degrees, not merely from a savage state, but from the very

lowest form of the brute creation. They destroy man's dignity

because they will not admit God's miraculous power."—Ellen

G. White Comments,

S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.

7, p. 906.

The Scripture does not teach that the world we live in has

evolved from a chance conjunction of necessary elements and

appropriate circumstances over a long period of time; it tells us

that we owe our existence to a God who spoke the word and it

was done,

gave commands and His commands were obeyed.

What was the quality of God's Creation? Gen. 1:31.

Everything that God makes is good because God is good. For

this we must be eternally grateful.

Theoretically, it could be possible for the world to be in the

hands of an inferior god or a tyrant. Some have thought so and

based their religion on it. If this were the case, we would have no

option but to serve such a god out of fear; and to try to defend

ourselves against his tyranny as best we could. How grateful we

can be that this is not the situation in which we find ourselves!



THINK IT THROUGH



What are some of the evidences to you that God is a good

God and has done all things well?

"The real evidence of a living God is not merely in theory; it is

in the conviction that God has written in our hearts, illuminated

and explained by His word. It is in the living power in His created

works, seen by the eye which the Holy Spirit has enlightened."

—Testimonies,

vol. 8, p. 325.

"The Creator of all things, He is the original proprietor. We are

His stewards. All that we have is a trust from Him, to be used

according to His

direction."—Education,

p. 137.



FURTHER STUDY



Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 44-51.

Our Heavenly Father

LESSON 1



❑

Monday

January 1

Part 2



"Thus saith the Lord that created thee, 0 Jacob, and he that

REDEEMER formed thee, 0 Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I

have called thee by thy name; thou art mine" (Isa. 43:1).

That God is the Creator calls for reverence and awe from man.

That God is good makes our response to Him a pleasure. But

God has done more than create man; He has also redeemed

him.

THINK IT THROUGH

What has God done with our iniquity? Isa. 53:6.

When man sinned, he sold himself in slavery to Satan. As a

sinner under condemnation of death, there was no hope for him

except as God had made provision for his salvation.

"In all the universe there was but one who could, in behalf of

man, satisfy its [the broken law's] claims. Since the divine law is

as sacred as God Himself, only one equal with God could make

atonement for its transgression. None but Christ could redeem

fallen man from the curse of the law and bring him again into

harmony with Heaven. Christ would take upon Himself the guilt

and shame of sin—sin so offensive to a holy God that it must

separate the Father and His Son. Christ would reach to the

depths of misery to rescue the ruined

race."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

p. 63.

What reason does Paul give for our bodies being temples of

the Holy Ghost? 1 Cor. 6:19, 20.

"The price paid for our redemption should give us exalted

views of what we may become through

Christ."—Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 563. John tells us that through God's marvelous love we

become sons of God. (See 1 John 3:1.)

"Through the infinite sacrifice of Christ, and faith in His name,

the sons of Adam become the sons of God. By assuming human

nature, Christ elevates humanity. Fallen men are granted

another trial and are placed where, through connection with

Christ, they may educate, improve, and elevate themselves, that

they may indeed become worthy of the name 'sons of God.'

"—

Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 563.

In view of the fact that God has done so much for man

through Jesus Christ, is it reasonable for man to do as he

pleases? What do you think are some of his obligations?

"Whether we recognize it or not, we are stewards, supplied

from God with talents and facilities, and placed in the world to

do a work appointed by

Him."—Education,

p. 137.

"To the infinite love of the Redeemer every human being is

indebted for the gifts of life. . . . And by the obligation of

gratitude and service thus imposed, Christ has bound us to our

fellow

men."—Education,

p. 139.

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 19-26.

2-A.L. 1-79

Our Heavenly Father

LESSON 1



❑

Tuesday

January 2

Part 3

SUSTAINER

THINK IT THROUGH

What Is the ultimate source of our food?

"Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he

did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons,

filling our hearts with food and gladness" (Acts 14:17).

The extent to which man is indebted to God is not always

realized. Most will acknowledge the sovereignty of God. Many

will admit that He is Creator and Redeemer. But do we recog-

nize the constant sustaining power of our heavenly Father in

daily life?

What did Jesus teach about the heavenly Father's sustain-

ing care? Matt. 6:26-30.

"He who has given you life knows your need of food to sustain

it. He who created the body is not unmindful of your need of

raiment. Will not He who has bestowed the greater gift bestow

also what is needed to make it complete?

"Jesus pointed His hearers to the birds as they warbled their

carols of praise, unencumbered with thoughts of care, for 'they

sow not, neither do they reap;' and yet the great Father provides

for their needs. And He asks, 'Are not ye of much more value

than they?'

R.V."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

p. 95.

Paul prayed for God to sustain the Ephesian believers In

what way? Eph. 3:14-16.

The same heavenly Father who supplies food for our tables

and strength for our work sustains the "inner man." The power

to change our sinful selves is not within us by birth. God

supplies the power to conquer sin and to live a godly life. It

comes by the Spirit who is Christ's gift to those who believe on

Him. We have nothing in ourselves to boast of or to trust in. Man

has only to surrender his heart to God, to yield his will to Him,

and God supplies the power. (See Heb. 12:2.) Jesus is the "au-

thor and finisher of our faith."

When God says that He will care for us, why are so many

worried and afraid? Am I as trusting as I ought to be?

"A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by

which, through the grace of Christ, the soul becomes a con-

quering power."—The

Ministry of Healing,

p. 62.

"In all your work remember that you are bound up with Christ,

a part of the great plan of redemption. The love of Christ, in a

healing, life-giving current, is to flow through your life."—The

Ministry of Healing,

p. 156.

FURTHER STUDY



The Ministry of Healing,

pp. 416, 417.

Our Heavenly Father

LESSON 1



❑

Wednesday

January 3

Part 4

PROTECTOR

THINK IT THROUGH

What promises of protection does God give?

"I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my

God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the

snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence."

"For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee

in all thy ways" (Ps. 91:2, 3, 11).

Read the entire psalm.

The Christian is often in physical danger. Satan would like to

bring disease and calamity, just as he did to Job. But God is in

control. No harm can come to any follower of Christ except as

God, in His providence, shall permit.

"The righteous understand God's government, and will

triumph with holy gladness in the everlasting protection and

salvation that Christ through His merits has secured for them.

Let all remember this, and forget not that the wicked, who do

not receive Christ as their personal Saviour, understand not His

providence. The way of righteousness they have not chosen,

and they know not God. Notwithstanding all the benefits He has

so graciously bestowed upon them, they have abused His mercy

by neglecting to acknowledge His goodness and mercy in show-

ing them these favors. At any moment God can withdraw from

the impenitent the tokens of His wonderful mercy and love."—

Ellen G. White Comments,

S.D.A. Bible Commentary,

vol. 3,

p. 1150.

What insight is given in Job 1:8-12 on why Christians some-

times suffer calamities?

Suffering is one of the consequences of evil. When we experi-

ence it or watch others pass through agonies, we respond by

hating the sin that has caused all our woes. Suffering may come

because of our own delinquencies, and in that case it is usually

understandable. But calamities may come to test our faith or to

reveal God's glory, or to reveal the full consequences of evil in

the world. See Job's response (Job 13:15), and the experience

of the man born blind (John 9:3).

Can you think of a personal experience when God protected

you from imminent danger? Prepare to tell the experience to

the class.

"God never leads His children otherwise than they would

choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning

and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as

co-workers with Him."—The

Ministry of Healing,

p. 479.

FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

vol. 4, pp. 286-290.

Our Heavenly Father

LESSON 1



❑

Thursday

January 4

Part 5



What activity of God does Paul pray that the Thessalonian

SANCTIFIER believers will experience?

"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray

God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blame-

less unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess. 5:23).

"Our sanctification is the work of the Father, the Son, and the

Holy Spirit. It is the fulfillment of the covenant God has made

with those who bind themselves up with Him, to stand with Him,

His Son, and His Spirit in holy fellowship. Have you been born

again? Have you become a new being in Christ Jesus? Then

cooperate with the three great powers of heaven who are work-

ing in your behalf."—Ellen G. White Comments,

S.D.A. Bible

Commentary, vol.

7, p. 908.

What does Paul say the Roman believers were called to be?

Rom. 1:7.

The words "sanctify" in First Thessalonians 5:23 and "saints"

in Romans 1:7 are two forms of the same Greek word. To

sanctify is to make holy. A saint is a holy one.

What truth about man's response to God's call may be

learned from

the

parable of the great supper? Luke 14:16-24.

God's call is an invitation which may be rejected. Unfortu-

nately there are many who prefer to go their own way rather than

to fit in with God's plans. But those who reject God's call will

suffer the consequences. (See Matt. 22:13.) But man is abso-

lutely free to make his own decision.

The one who accepts God's invitation is accepting life at its

best. The hardships that the Christian sometimes has to suffer

are not to be compared with the satisfactions that come from a

life wholly dedicated to God. Man has joy when he is able to do

good for his neighbors. By contrast, there is a misery and sense

of guilt that comes to one who has failed to rise up to expecta-

tions, or who has deliberately chosen a life of sin.

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

What are some of the joys of the Christian life of service?

How do you think the Christian ought to express his gratitude

to God?

"The spirit of unselfish labor for others gives depth, stability,

and Christlike loveliness to the character, and brings peace and

happiness to its possessor. The aspirations are elevated. There

is no room for sloth or selfishness. Those who thus exercise the

Christian graces will grow and will become strong to work for

God."—Steps to Christ,

p. 80.

The Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 565-567.

Our Heavenly Father

LESSON 1



❑

Friday

January 5



Part 6



What is the basis of the gospel commission?

LORD

"Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and

on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disci-

ples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe

all that

.I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to

the close of the age' " (Matt. 28:18-20, RSV).

The commission is given in the words of Jesus, but the author-

ity for His words came from His heavenly Father. The Bible term

to give the meaning of "one who has authority" is the word

"Lord." A commission can be given only by someone who has

the authority (power, KJV) to do so. Jesus claimed that all

authority had been given to Him. What was this authority? Jesus

described it as authority to give eternal life to as many as were

given to Him. (See John 17:2.) Paul described this authority as

exceeding great, "far above all principality, and power, and

might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in

this world, but also in that which is to come" (Eph. 1:21).

Furthermore, Jesus promised that He would be with His dis-

ciples "even unto the end of the world" (Matt. 28:20, KJV). Thus

the commission to witness is not only a command, it is a pro-

mise that Jesus will make the execution of the commission

dynamic and effective.

How do we know that when Jesus sends anyone to preach

He also gives the necessary authority? Matt. 10:1.

When Jesus outlined to His disciples what they should do on

their missionary journey, He said: "Freely ye have received,

freely give." From this we gather that the privilege to witness

and to exercise authority over evil of all kinds was due to their

acceptance of the gospel. As we have had the gospel given to us

freely, so we should be willing to give it to others freely so that

they may enjoy the full benefits of eternal life also.

What would you think of someone who knew the cure for

cancer and kept it to himself? Would he not be responsible for

deaths by cancer when the cure was there to be passed on?

No one will go to heaven alone. He will be accompanied by all

those who learned the way from him.



THINK IT THROUGH



Why are some people afraid to witness? What is the basic

qualification for effective witnessing?

"Christ's work below is His work above, and our reward for

working with Him in this world will be the greater power and

wider privilege of working with Him in the world to come."—

Education,

p. 308.



FURTHER STUDY



The Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 465-468.

LESSON 2 January 7-13

e§porme to GocL

ItZ

"Despisest thou the riches of his

goodness and forbearance and

longsuffering; not knowing that the

goodness

Godleadeth thee to

repentance?" (Rom. 2:4).

In view of the sovereignty of God,

His goodness and love, how should

we respond? There are two ways in

which we could do so:

Ignore God altogether.

This may

sound like an impossible thing to do,

but the fact is that men in the past have

done exactly this. Paul describes them

in his letter to the Romans (Rom.

1:21-32). Not that such people are

wholly ignorant of God. There is in

nature too much evidence of God's

power and deity. They deliberately

turn away from the evidence and

decide to worship the creature rather

than the Creator (verse 25). Although

they enjoy many of the blessings of

life, they refuse to give God the glory

for all that He has provided, and do not

even give thanks (verse 21). Note how

this decision and attitude leads to utter

foolishness and all kinds of

unmentionable evils.

Acknowledge the sovereignty of

God and give Him His due in worship

and praise.

This way leads man to live a

life of blessing to himself and to all

around.

The lesson this week looks at the

way men have responded to God's

sovereignty in the past as an example

to us who live in thepresent. First of

all, we look at the offering of faith

made by Abel. Abel, in contrast to

Cain, accepted the provisions that

God had made for man's salvation,

and sacrificed the offering that could

typify the Lamb that was slain from the

foundation of the world. Then we see

Abraham honoring God by returning

the tithe to Melchizedek, king of

Salem, priest of the most high God.

Abraham knew that all he owned was

only by the grace of God, and the tithe

that he paid was a symbol of

stewardship. There is, thirdly, the

interesting story of Jacob and his

promise to give a tenth of all he

received to God. The fourth part of the

lesson notes how Joseph considered

sin an injustice to God, and therefore

he would not have anything to do with

it. Fifth, we learn from Paul that he was

in a fight of faith, a struggle against all

unrighteousness. He was on God's

side in the controversy against evil.

Finally, we notice the privilege of

being faithful unto death. The essence

of being loyal to God is to prefer death

rather than to do anything wrong. Do

you agree with this?

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

Offering of Faith

(Heb. 11:4)

The Basic Tenth

(Gen. 14:20)

A Mutual Agreement

(Gen. 28:20-22)

The Refusal to Sin

(Gen. 39:9)

The Fight of Faith

(2 Tim. 4:7)

Faithful Unto Death

(Rev. 2:10)

ERIC KREYE

Man's Response to God

LESSON 2



❑

Sunday

January 7

Part 1



"By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice

OFFERING than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righ-

OF FAITH teous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet

speaketh" (Heb. 11:4).

Many who read the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 wonder

whether God was altogether fair in accepting Abel's offering

and rejecting Cain's. Was not Cain doing a good thing, they ask,

in bringing the results of his labor in the field? Was not God a

little partial, and Cain somewhat justified in his anger?

What is the basic difference between the sacrifices of the

two brothers? Heb. 11:4.

"Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam, differed widely in charac-

ter. Abel had a spirit of loyalty to God; he saw justice and mercy

in the Creator's dealing with the fallen race, and gratefully

accepted the hope of redemption. But Cain cherished feelings

of rebellion, and murmured against God because of the curse

pronounced upon the earth and upon the human race for

Adam's sin. He permitted his mind to run in the same channel

that led to Satan's fall—indulging in the desire for self-

exaltation and questioning the divine justice and authority."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 71.

Obviously Abel had faith and trust in God. This was shown in

the sacrifice and made it acceptable. Cain was out of harmony

with God, and his sacrifice was offered as a favor done to God,

and therefore could not be accepted.

It is a mistake to think that we can worship God as we please.

There is a right way and a wrong way of worshiping. Worship

without a recognition of the need of a Redeemer is presump-

tion. Furthermore, worship in a way other than that prescribed

by God is rebellion.

An adequate response to God means doing what God wants

us to do, recognizing that He is the One who took the initiative.

He is the One who knows best. Obedience to God arises out of a

loving trust. Without such a relationship worship becomes an

empty form, a meaningless ritual.

THINK IT THROUGH

What is a basic characteristic of most false religions? Can

even a true faith be improperly practiced? How?

"The class of worshipers who follow the example of Cain

includes by far the greater portion of the world; for nearly every

false religion has been based on the same principle—that man

can depend upon his own efforts for

salvation."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

p. 73.

FURTHER STUDY



Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 71-79.

Man's Response to God

LESSON 2



❑

Monday

January 8

Part 2



What did Melchizedek say to Abram about his victory?

THE BASIC

TENTH



"Blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine

enemies into thy hand" (Gen. 14:20, first part).

Abram was a man of peace rather than of war, but when he

heard how Lot had been taken captive in the invasion of the

valley of Sodom and Gomorrah, he decided to rescue him. He

counseled with God first and then set out after the invading

kings who had escaped with great booty. Catching up with

them, he inflicted a surprise attack and gained a speedy victory.

"To Abraham, under God, the triumph was due. The wor-

shiper of Jehovah had not only rendered a great service to the

country, but had proved himself a man of valor. It was seen that

righteousness is not cowardice, and that Abraham's religion

made him courageous in maintaining the right and defending

the oppressed."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

p. 135.

After Melchizedek's blessing, how did Abram respond?

Gen. 14:20, last part.

By paying tithes of all the spoils, Abraham was letting all the

people know that he recognized God's ownership and God's

blessing. He refused to accept any personal gain in a campaign

which he had undertaken for God without any thought of profit.

What a powerful testimony this must have been to all who knew

Abraham! Abraham was not only a symbol of unselfishness, but

also an example of a worshiper of the true God who returned a

tenth to his Maker.

"When Abraham rescued the captives from the Elamites, the

attention of the people was called to the true faith. Abraham was

not a stranger to the people of Sodom, and his worship of the

unseen God had been a matter of ridicule among them; but his

victory over greatly superior forces, and his magnanimous dis-

position of the prisoners and spoil, excited wonder and admira-

tion. While his skill and valor were extolled, none could avoid

the conviction that a divine power had made him conqueror.

And his noble and unselfish spirit, so foreign to the self-seeking

inhabitants of Sodom, was another evidence of the superiority

of the religion which he had honored by his courage and

fidelity."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 157.



THINK IT THROUGH



Do you think it was easy for Abram to pay tithe? What makes

tithe paying easy, and what makes it hard?



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

vol. 3, pp. 387-391.

Man's Response to God

LESSON 2



❑

Tuesday

January 9



Part 3



"If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that Igo,

A MUTUAL and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I

AGREEMENT come again to my father's house In peace; then shall the lord

be my God: and this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be

God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give

the tenth unto thee" (Gen. 28:20-22).

To get the full meaning of this vow we must note the cir-

cumstances. Jacob had secured the blessing of the birthright

from his father by a ruse, and had angered his brother Esau.

Now he was fleeing for his life. "He felt that he was an outcast,

and he knew that all this trouble had been brought upon him by

his own wrong course. ... With weeping and deep humiliation

he confessed his

sin."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 183.

How did God assure Jacob that He had not forsaken him?

Gen. 28:15.

Jacob responded to God's promise by agreeing that he would

pay a tithe of all that God gave to him. "Jacob was not here seek-

ing to make terms with God. The Lord had already promised him

prosperity, and this vow was the outflow of a heart filled with

gratitude for the assurance of God's love and mercy. Jacob felt

that God had claims upon him which he must acknowledge, and

that the special tokens of divine favor granted him demanded a

return."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 187.

In view of the goodness and generosity of God, what ques-

tion asked by the psalmist ought we to ask also? Ps. 116:12.

"The Christian should often review his past life and recall with

gratitude the precious deliverances that God has wrought for

him, supporting him in trial, opening ways before him when all

seemed dark and forbidding, refreshing him when ready to

faint. . . .

. . . We should acknowledge God's goodness, not only by

expressing our gratitude in words, but, like Jacob, by gifts and

offerings to His

cause."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 187, 188.



THINK IT THROUGH



In your reading of the Bible who is the one who initiates

agreements, God or man? Give examples.

"Shall we who enjoy the full light and privileges of the gospel

be content to give less to God than was given by those who lived

in the former, less favored dispensation? Nay, as the blessings

we enjoy are greater, are not our obligations correspondingly

increased? . . . From the cross of Calvary, Christ calls for an

unreserved consecration. All that we have, all that we are,

should be devoted to

God."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 188.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

vol. 3, pp. 392-398.

Man's Response to God

LESSON 2



❑

Wednesday

January 10

Part 4

THE REFUSAL

TO SIN

THINK IT THROUGH

In Joseph's answer to Potiphar's wife, what do we learn

about the nature of sin?

"There is none greater In this house than I; neither hath he

kept back anything from me but thee, because thou art his

wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against

God?" (Gen. 39:9).

Sin is not merely transgression of the law with consequences

to ourselves; sinning is an affront to God! When God is so good

to us, how can we possibly continue in sin? How can we even

consider performing one act of sin?

Joseph in Egypt lived in the midst of idolatry. He was sur-

rounded by temptation on every side. Yet he determined to be

faithful to his God. And the Lord blessed him. (See Gen. 39:2, 5.)

He never concealed the fact that he was a worshiper of Jehovah.

Thus everyone knew that his success and prosperity were due

to the favor of God. Living as he did in the sight of God, he found

it unthinkable to consent to a wrong act. To sin would be to let

God down!

Against whom did David say that he sinned? Ps. 51:4; 2 Sam.

12:13.

Some people think that because their sins are hidden from

their fellowmen they are not so serious as open sin. They try to

hide their sins, hoping thereby to maintain a certain amount of

dignity. It is a mockery to God to suppose that sins can be hid-

den from His all-seeing eye.

"If we were to cherish an habitual impression that God sees

and hears all that we do and say and keeps a faithful record of

our words and actions, and that we must meet it all, we would

fear to sin. Let the young ever remember that wherever they are,

and whatever they do, they are in the presence of God. No part

of our conduct escapes observation."—Patriarchs

and Proph-

ets,

p. 217.

The key to Joseph's integrity was his recognition that he owed

everything to God. He therefore chose to do nothing that would

hurt that relationship or show ingratitude.

What is it that keeps you from sinning? Why is sinning an

injustice to God?

"He [God] desires us to have the mastery over ourselves, our

own will and ways. But He cannot work in us without our con-

sent and co-operation. The divine Spirit works through the

faculties and powers given to man. Our energies are required to

co-operate with

God."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

p. 142.

FURTHER STUDY



Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 213-218.

Man's Response to God

LESSON 2



❑

Thursday

January 11

Part 5

THE FIGHT

OF FAITH

THINK IT THROUGH

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have

kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7).

Paul encouraged Timothy to "fight the good fight of faith"

(1 Tim. 6:12). He said he had done so himself and thus had set

the proper example. He looked upon life as a struggle. The

Christian is to be like a soldier wearing full armor (Eph. 6:13), or

like an athlete running a race (1 Cor. 9:24).

What was the motivating force behind Paul's dedication to

God and the ministry? 2 Cor. 5:14.

"The love of Christ controls us, because we are convinced

that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for

all, that those who live might live no longer for themselves but

for him who for their sake died and was raised" (2 Cor. 5:14, 15,

RSV).

Many factors have motivated men. Some have been ambi-

tious and wanted honor for themselves. Others have been

driven to some kind of action by fear. Paul makes it clear that he

was motivated by love, a love for God that was so strong that

nothing could separate him from God. (See Rom. 8:38, 39.)

What was Paul's attitude to his call to minister? Eph 3.8.

Paul also called himself the "least of the apostles" (1 Cor.

15:9). He also referred to himself as the chief of sinners. (See

1 Tim. 1:15.) It is obvious that Paul considered himself greatly

favored. It is no wonder, then, that he gave his life in complete

dedication to God. He allowed nothing to hinder him from

giving his whole life to the gospel ministry. He was a man of

unusual talent and attainment. At one time he had prided him-

self on his heritage and achievement. But when he met Christ on

the way to Damascus, his whole life pattern was changed. What

he formerly considered important he now considered to be of

no consequence. (See Phil. 3:7, 8.) He had only one object of

glory, and that was Christ. (See Gal. 6:14.) Few people have

experienced the difficulties he passed through. (See 2 Cor.

11:23-28.) But he kept pressing on.

Why do you think it is appropriate to refer to life as a battle or

a race? What was the aspect of God's love that so gripped

Paul that He yielded his life in service to Him? Did God do more

for Paul than He has done for you and me?

FURTHER STUDY



The Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 465-468.

Man's Response to God

LESSON 2



❑

Friday

January 12

Part 6



"Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold,

FAITHFUL the devil shall cast some of you in prison, that ye may be tried;

UNTO DEATH and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto

death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Rev. 2:10).

Life is very precious, and instinctively we hold on to it. It takes

more than ordinary courage and dedication to be willing to give

it up for the sake of a person or a principle.

Not everyone is called upon to die for his faith, but everyone

must be prepared to do so if necessary. Note the apostle

James's execution (Acts 12:1, 2); the three who refused to bow

down to Nebuchadnezzar's image (Dan. 3:16-18). Daniel was

put into the lion's den for praying to his God, but the lions were

not permitted to molest him. Some experiences of the people of

God in the Old Testament as they faced opposition are de-

scribed in Hebrews 11:33-38.

What was it that made Jesus willing to give up His life for us

sinners? Rom. 5:7, 8; John 15:13, 14.

The love of Christ for the human family was so great that He

did not withhold anything. When we consider all that He has

done for our salvation, can we legitimately hold back anything

from Him? (See Heb. 12:3, 4.)

What warning and promise did Jesus give to His disciples?

Mark 13:13.

THINK IT THROUGH

The first death is not the greatest tragedy that can happen to

one. After death comes the resurrection; so that death can be

looked upon as a sleep and a rest. The Christian may die for the

Master now, but he will live with Him throughout eternity. That is

why martyrs have faced death with composure. Christians are

not so much concerned with what happens to them in this life,

but are eager to have a part in the life to come.

What is the difference between being willing to suffer and

die for the Master and having a persecution complex? Do you

think that Christians should pray for tribulation?

Jesus taught His disciples not to expose themselves un-

necessarily to persecution. "He Himself often left one field of

labor for another, in order to escape from those who were

seeking His life. . . .

" . . . Those who are true to God need not fear the power of

men nor the enmity of Satan. In Christ their eternal life is secure.

Their only fear should be lest they surrender the truth, and thus

betray the trust with which God has honored them."—The

De-

sire of Ages,

pp. 355, 356.

FURTHER STUDY



The Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 588-592.

LESSON 3 January 14-20

"As the hart panteth after the water

brooks, so panteth my soul after thee,

0 God. My soul thirsteth for God, for

the living God: when shall I come and

appear before God?"

(Ps. 42:1, 2).

What a striking image! The thirsty

hart, a deer, longs to reach a running

stream of cool, refreshing water. Do

we long for God in the same way?

The things we do are first decided

within us. Why do we do this and not

that? The answer to this question

would reveal our motives. We may not

always know our true motives.

Sometimes an action may look right,

but our inner motive for doing it may

be wrong. But God, through the Bible

and the Holy Spirit, wants to give us

right motives for doing right actions.

We can live a life of

Christlike

actions from heaven-implanted

motives. What are these motives?

What are the motives that we should

shun as being unworthy of a Christian?

First, we look at that motive which is

the highest of all motives, love. God is

the Source of love, and we see how

this was manifested to us and how we

ought to react in consequence. Then

we look at life's priority, the supreme

goal, the establishment of God's

kingdom of

grace

and glory. We must

never lose sight of His goal, nor permit

ourselves to be sidetracked into

activities that detract from the

achievement of this goal. Third, we

note a very common

goal—materialism—and how foolish

this can be. Life is too short for us to be

engaged in selfish aggrandizement.

We move on next to note the example

that Jesus has set for us. He did this

deliberately because we need to know

in specific terms how we ought to

behave. In the fifth part of the lesson

we see how Jesus evaluated the

offering of a poor widow who put in all

that she had. We learn that it is not the

size of the gift that counts, but the

degree of sacrifice and dedication that

it represents. Finally, we see that the

whole law is summed up in love.

Legalism easily intrudes into the lives

of many of us. We are anxious to keep

every commandment to the letter. But

in doing this do we turn out to be like

the Pharisees who forgot the weightier

matters of the law? Shall we make the

same mistake?

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

Supreme Love

(Rom. 8:32)

Seeking. God's Kingdom

(Matt. 6:33)

The Desire to Have Things

(Luke 12:15)

The Example of Jesus'

(John 13:15)

Sacrifice

(Mark 12:42)

Legalism

(Matt. 23:23)

D. TANK

Motives

LESSON 3



❑

Sunday

January 14

Part 1



"He who did not grudge his own Son but gave him up for us

SUPREME all—can we not trust such a God to give us, with him, every-

LOVE thing else that we can need?" (Rom. 8:32, Phillips).

All heaven was given with the gift of God's Son for the fallen

race. But that was not the end of God's giving. He still gives.

Paul asserts that if God was willing to give His Son He is willing

to give everything that a man needs.

What promises did Jesus give that assured His disciples

that they need not lack anything? John 14:14; 16:24.

"The Saviour's promise to His disciples is a promise to His

church to the end of time. God did not design that His wonderful

plan to redeem men should achieve only insignificant results.

All who will go to work, trusting not in what they themselves can

do, but in what God can do for and through them, will certainly

realize the fulfillment of His promise."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 667.

What did Jesus say was the basic motive in His lifework?

Luke 19:10. What is ours? (See John 20:21.)

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

"Our mission to the world is not to serve or please ourselves;

we are to glorify God by co-operating with Him to save sinners.

We are to ask blessings from God that we may communicate to

others. The capacity for receiving is preserved only by impart-

ing. We cannot continue to receive heavenly treasure without

communicating to those around

us."—Christ's Object Lessons,

pp. 142, 143.

God provides us with the necessary qualities so that we can

be successful in our pleading. Note the following statement: "It

was Christ Himself who put into that mother's [the Syrophen-

ician woman's] heart the persistence which would not be re-

pulsed. It was Christ who gave the pleading widow courage and

determination before the judge. It was Christ who, centuries be-

fore, in the mysterious conflict by the Jabbok, had inspired

Jacob with the same persevering faith. And the confidence

which He Himself had implanted, He did not fail to reward."—

Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 175.

In view of the provisions that God has supplied to meet

every Christian's need, why are so many weak and helpless in

their testimony to the world?

"Many do not have a sense of the sinfulness of their own

natures nor of the grace of forgiveness. They are in nature's

darkness, subject to temptations and to great deception."—

Testimonies,

vol. 3, p. 361.

Christ's Object Lessons,

"Asking to Give," pp. 139-143.

Motives

LESSON 3



❑

Monday

January 15



Part 2



What did Jesus say is the one supreme goal of the Chris-

SEEKING GOD'S tian?

KINGDOM

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;

and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33).

Philosophers have suggested many goals for life. Some have

suggested pleasure; others, virtue; still others, the greatest

good for the greatest number. Some philosophers today

suggest that a person should "do his own thing," throwing off

the trammels of his culture and tradition, refusing to be bound

by the rules and regulations of family, trying everything, and

arriving at his own conclusions regardless of society's approval

or disapproval.

The Christian longs above all else to see the kingdom of God

established. There is a danger that he may be diverted to other

aspects of life—for example, to earning a good living, acquiring

property, building up a bank account, or having as many

gadgets as his neighbor. These are aspects of life that the

Christian sees all around him. Jesus assured His disciples that if

they set their mind on the higher goal of seeking the kingdom of

God by their life and witness, they would have all the necessities

of life provided.

What assurance about life's needs does the psalmist give to

the believer? Ps. 34:10; 37:3-5.

All those who have trusted God have never found Him to fail

them. In fact it is one of the pleasurable experiences in life to

see how God answers prayer and provides all our needs in ways

that are most unexpected. What is needed is a basic commit-

ment to God, a decision to do only what God wants us to do. God

takes the committed life and uses it to His glory, so that His

purposes are accomplished.

Seeking God's kingdom requires a dedication of the whole

life including a dedicated purse. Not all can preach or'engage in

paid activity by the church; but all can give so that the work of

God is advanced.



THINK IT THROUGH



What are my life goals?

The child of God may not be rich in this world's goods. In fact,

in the eyes of the world he may be very poor. But the richness of

his faith means that he is content, and in many cases he lives a

happier and fuller life than the man who lives in a palace.



FURTHER STUDY



Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

"True Motive in Ser-

vice" (Matt. 6:33, 34), pp. 98-101.

3-A. L. 1-79

Motives

LESSON 3



❑

Tuesday

January 16



Part 3



What reason did Jesus give for His warning against cov-

THE DESIRE etousness?

TO HAVE



THINGS



"Then he said to them, 'Watch, and be on your guard against

avarice of any kind, for a man's life is not made secure by what

he owns, even when he has more than he needs' " (Luke

12:15, Jerusalem).

The tenth commandment forbids covetousness of any kind,

yet the sin of covetousness is "one of the most common and the

most lightly

regarded."-Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 496.

Note two biblical examples of those who coveted. Achan,

Joshua 7; Ananias and Sapphire, Acts 5. What can we learn

from these experiences?

Covetousness is insidious and therefore all the more danger-

ous. Very often those who have it are not aware of it. It grows

upon them imperceptibly, and unless it is rooted out it will bring

about destruction, as in the examples above or in the experi-

ence of Judas.

It is easy to trust in a bank balance. It is very easy to feel that

we ought not to give so much away as we do. The rich young

ruler went away sorrowfully because he could not bring himself

to change his source of security. (See Matt. 19:16-26.)

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

Read Luke 12:15-21. What lessons about possessions are

taught in this parable?

"Constant, self-denying benevolence is God's remedy for the

cankering sins of selfishness and covetousness. God has ar-

ranged systematic benevolence [later called tithes and offer-

ings] to sustain His cause and relieve the necessities of the

suffering and needy. He has ordained that giving should be-

come a habit, that it may counteract the dangerous and deceit-

ful sin of covetousness. Continual giving starves covetousness

death."—Testimonies,

vol. 3, p. 548.

Riches are from the Lord and belong to Him. The rich must

not be tied to their riches. But let not the poor be covetous!

Can you see some advantages in being poor? Do we give to

the church because the Lord needs our money or because we

need to give It?

"The oft-repeated and striking warnings of our Redeemer are

in marked contrast with the actions of His professed followers

who evidence in their lives so great eagerness to be rich and

who show that the words of Christ are lost upon them."—

Testimonies,

vol. 3, p. 547.

Christ's Object Lessons,

"Gain That Is Loss," pp. 252-259.

Motives

LESSON 3



❑

Wednesday

January 17

Part 4

THE EXAMPLE

OF JESUS

What was one of the purposes to be served by Christ's

washing the disciples' feet?

"I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have

done to you" (John 13:15).

God requires nothing of us that is out of harmony with what

He Himself does. In everything that He has done He has gone to

a limit beyond what man could ever reach alone. Whatever God

asks us to do is reasonable, possible, and for our good.

In the Decalogue we have been given a standard of godly

living. But people often become legalistic in living by the law.

They become more concerned with the letter than the spirit,

with regulations rather than principles. When a life is lived in

accordance with the law, the spirit of the law is plainer. Jesus

proved that the law could be kept, and He showed how it should

be kept.

What invitation did Jesus extend to His disciples? Matt.

4:19; 16:24.

"For three years and a half the disciples were under the

instruction of the greatest Teacher the world has ever known.

By personal contact and association, Christ trained them for His

service. Day by day they walked and talked with Him, hearing His

words of cheer to the weary and heavy-laden, and seeing the

manifestation of His power in behalf of the sick and the afflicted.

Sometimes He taught them, sitting among them on the moun-

tainside; sometimes beside the sea or walking by the way, He

revealed the mysteries of the kingdom of God. . . . He did not

command the disciples to do this or that, but said, 'Follow

Me.'

"—The Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 17, 18.

What sentence sums up Christ's way of life? Acts 10:38.

To do as Jesus did, this is the most beautiful life. It does not

require great talent, advanced degrees, high attainments. It

means that we accept the way of Jesus as the best way for us,

and that in everything we do we follow the pattern that is set.



THINK IT THROUGH



How can I follow in the footsteps of the Master?

"You are not to look to yourself, not to let the mind dwell upon

self, but look to Christ. Let the mind dwell upon His love, upon

the beauty, the perfection, of His character. Christ in His self-

denial, Christ in His humiliation, Christ in His purity and holi-

ness, Christ in His matchless love—this is the subject for the

soul's contemplation. It is by loving Him, copying Him, depend-

ing wholly upon Him, that you are to be transformed into His

likeness."—Steps

to Christ,

pp. 70, 71.



FURTHER STUDY



Steps to Christ,

"The Work and the Life," pp. 77-79.

Motives

LESSON 3



❑

Thursday

January 18

Part 5



"A poor widow came and put in two small coins, the equiva-

SACRIFICE lent of a penny" (Mark 12:42, Jerusalem).

We often appreciate gifts according to their cost or their

worth. Thus a gift of one thousand dollars is better appreciated

than a gift of one dollar. But in the story of the widow's mite

Jesus pointed out another aspect of giving.

What made the gift of the widow to the treasury more valu-

able in the sight of God than the much larger sums put In by

others? Mark 12:43, 44.

One wonders what the treasurers did with the two mites when

they emptied the box! Did they put the coins into petty cash, not

even troubling themselves to count them among the offerings?

What could they do with two mites anyway? Did the widow

realize that her deed would go down in history as an example of

giving to all succeeding generations? The story points up the

truth that God is aware of everything that is going on; that He is

more concerned with motive than with value.

"The act of the widow who cast two mites—all that she had—

into the treasury, is placed on record for the encouragement of

those who, struggling with poverty, still desire by their gifts to

aid the cause of God.... The value of the gift is estimated not by

the amount, but by the proportion that is given and the motive

that actuates the giver."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

p. 342.

Even we are sometimes more concerned with motives than

with amounts. What mother does not thrill when her child

brings some buttercups or other wild flowers to her in the

kitchen? It is the deed of love, not the value of the flowers, that

strikes to the heart. On the other hand, the gift that is presented

with a fanfare may be accepted as an honor and highly valued,

but lacking the heartfelt simplicity of the child's gift. The giver of

such gifts gets his reward in notice but that is all he gets.

What assurance do we have that the Christian is always in a

position to make an offering when needed? 2 Cor. 9:8.

"A continual imparting of God's gifts wherever the cause of

God or the needs of humanity demand our aid, does not tend to

poverty."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

p. 345.

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

How much would I give were Ito give the equivalent, for me,

of the widow's two mites?

"Spiritual prosperity is closely bound up with Christian liber-

ality. The followers of Christ should rejoice in the privilege of

revealing in their lives the beneficence of their Redeemer"—

The Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 344, 345.

The Desire of Ages,

pp. 614-616.

Motives

LESSON 3



❑

Friday

January 19



Part 6



There is obvious need for law; without the law there is no

LEGALISM

knowledge of sin. The law is holy, just, and good. (See Rom.

7:12.) The trouble comes when we try to gain salvation by law

keeping, when we look at the letter and forget the spirit.

What did Jesus say some of the Jews neglected in their

concern for the letter of the law?

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye

pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the

weightier matters of the law, Judgment, mercy, and faith:

these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other

undone" (Matt. 23:23).

Jesus did not say that mint, dill, and cummin should not be

tithed, but He did say that justice, mercy, and faith are important

aspects of commandment keeping. When the law is kept in an

attempt to rid ourselves of guilt, then that is legalism. Pure

legalism is cold, harsh, unsympathetic, arrogant, and

domineering—characteristics that are far from the nature of

God Himself. Jesus kept the whole law. Yet He was humble, un-

derstanding, kind, merciful, and considerate.

According to Jesus' instructions to the Twelve for their mis-

sionary Journey, what Is the spirit that should motivate the

Christian in his relationship to his fellowmen? Matt. 10:8.

When a person receives mercies and blessings, the least that

he can do is to respond with a life of concern for others and their

needs. The Good Samaritan manifested true neighborly con-

duct, and his actions typify what Jesus came to do. Do we as

Christians manifest the same spirit? Note the following state-

ment: "Although the customs of the world are no criterion for

us, yet I have been shown that the pitying sympathy and the

benevolence of the world for the unfortunate in many cases

shame the professed followers of Christ."—Testimonies, vol. 3,

p. 524. A Christian's love should always exceed the world's!



THINK IT THROUGH



What leads one (as Matthew 18:23-35) who has had favors

shown to him be inconsiderate of others?

"Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished

the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make

fragrant the character. Many who profess His name have lost

sight of the fact that Christians are to represent Christ. Unless

there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the

family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever

we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not

Christians."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 504.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 497-505.

LESSON 4 January 21-27

4.1-0

Prh

priville

e of work

"Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One

of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of

things to come concerning my sons,

and concerning the work of my hands

command ye me. I have made the

earth, and created man upon it: I,

even my hands, have stretched out the

heavens, and all their host have I

commanded" (Isa. 45:11, 12).

The Bible reveals that God is ever

active and His activity is called work.

Thus the universe He has brought into

being is called His handiwork. God is

active in sustaining the universe and

every part of it. The planets in their

courses are dependent on Him for

continuing motion, and all living

creatures are dependent on Him for

sustenance and life. God is also active

in the affairs of men, for example, in

the rise and fall of governments. He

calls out individuals to serve Him and

works out His plans and purposes

through a variety of agencies. He is the

judge of all, and the time will come

when His order will be vindicated and

evil will be wiped out forever. God

never rests. His ear is open to every

cry. His devotion to His creatures and

His work on their behalf is a

fundamental characteristic of His

being.

Since this is so, work has

sacramental value. It is part of the

natural order and cannot be ignored.

It is a way of life and cannot be set

aside. To envisage existence without

work is to consider a totally different

order of creation from that which has

been brought into existence by God

and which we see all around us.

What is this activity called "work"?

What form does it take, and how

important is it in the life? These are the

questions that we take up for study

this week. First of all, we see God as

the Master Worker. We note

perfection and beauty, a basic pattern

for all work which should be profitable

and good. Then we note that work is to

be an important phase of man's life,

since he was created in the image of

God and granted dominion over all

the earth. Material changes have taken

place because of sin, but man still has

his work to do in caring for and

keeping in order the eFements in his

environment. Then we look at Jesus

and see how He worked on earth,

setting us an example. The fourth part

of thelesson looks at man in his work

relationships and explores the

Christian attitude to work. Fifth, we

look at the kinds of work that the

Christian can legitimately engage in.

And finally, we see howwork is not the

be-all or end-all of life, but is intended

to be a means of enjoying life to the

full. Work is a privilege and a blessing.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

God, the Master Worker

(Gen. 2:2)

Man—His Work Responsibilities

(Gen. 1:28; 2:15)

Jesus, the Model Workman

(Luke 2:52)

Relationships at Work

(E h. 6:5, 6)



•

Work and Vocation

(2 Tim. 1:9)

Work, a Blessing

(1 Cor. 3:9)

JOAN WALTER

The Privilege of Work

LESSON 4



❑

Sunday

January 21



Part 1



"On the seventh day God ended his work which he had

GOD, THE made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work

MASTER WORKER which he had made" (Gen. 2:2).

The Bible makes it clear that when God was creating, He was

working. He "divided" light from darkness, waters from waters

(Gen. 1:4-6). He "set" sun, moon, and stars in the heavens (verse

17). He "formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed

into his nostrils the breath of life" (Gen. 2:7). He "planted" a

garden in Eden, and "took" and "put" man in it (verses 8, 15).

Here is activity in human terms that indicates a plan, a purpose,

and the execution of plan and purpose. This is work. Then God

"ended" His work, and "rested" and "blessed" (verses 2, 3).

Here is order and benevolence—work at its best.

How did the psalmist feel about God's work? Ps. 104:24.

Jesus pointed out God's concern for His creation. (See Matt.

6:26.) The psalmist speaks of God's care for His people. (See Ps.

33:13-19.) God's care is very personal. (See Isa. 41:10.) The

whole of creation is sustained by Him. (See Heb. 1:3.) God's

work is to provide for the whole of His creation, but at the same

time it reflects His perfection and beauty of character.

What important work has God done that affects every

human being? How should we react in consequence? Isa.

44:22, 23.

We ought to spend more time considering what God has done

for us. Do we recognize how dependent we are on God for every-

thing? It is not because of our own strength and skill that we are

able to earn a living and enjoy many comforts. It is God who has

given us the health and strength, without which we could do

nothing. It is God who protects us from danger and has enabled

us to keep what we have. Because God is not seen, He is often

forgotten. Only when we fully recognize all that God has done

and continues to do for us, can we be truly grateful and express

our appreciation.



THINK IT THROUGH



Looking at God as the Master Worker, what would you say

are the basic characteristics of work?

"God would have His children appreciate His works and de-

light in the simple, quiet beauty with which He has adorned our

earthly home. He is a lover of the beautiful, and above all that is

outwardly attractive He loves beauty of character; He would

have us cultivate purity and simplicity, the quiet graces of the

flowers."—Steps

to Christ,

p. 85.



FURTHER STUDY



Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

"True Motive in Ser-

vice" (Matt. 6:25), pp. 95-98.

The Privilege of Work

LESSON 4



❑

Monday

January 22

Part 2

MAN, HIS WORK

RESPONSIBILITIES

THINK IT THROUGH

What was the work given to Adam and Eve in the garden?

"God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and

multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have

dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air,

and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

"And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the

garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it" (Gen. 1:28; 2:15).

In the Genesis story man was given definite assignments of

work. This is understandable, because man was created in the

image of God. Therefore, even as God Himself has responsibil-

ities toward His creation, so man was to exercise dominion over

the territory that was placed under his charge.

"Adam was not to be idle. Our Creator, who understands what

is for man's happiness, appointed Adam his work. The true joy

of life is found only by the working men and women. The angels

are diligent workers; they are the ministers of God to the chil-

dren of men. The Creator has prepared no place for the stagnat-

ing practice of indolence."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

p. 50.

What changes took place in man's work as a result of sin?

Gen. 3:17-19.

"When man became Satan's captive, the dominion which he

held, passed to his conqueror."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

p. 67.

The ground was cursed and would bring forth thorns and

thistles. Man's work would be doubly hard, involving toil and

pain. Yet nature is still dependent on man. Unless man works

with the soil, plants deteriorate into an unprofitable state.

What assurances has God given of reliability in nature?

Gen. 8:22.

Man cannot claim that the world owes him a living and do

nothing. Work is basically a recognition that man has the

responsibility for his own needs.

What attitude should the Christian take to his work? What

can he do to make life more worthwhile for himself and for

others?

"From their earliest years children should be led to feel that

they are part of the home firm. Even the little ones should be

trained to share in the daily work and should be made to feel that

their help is needed and is appreciated. The older ones should

be their parents' assistants, entering into their plans and shar-

ing their responsibilities and burdens."—Education, p. 285.

FURTHER STUDY



Education,

pp. 214-218.

The Privilege of Work

LESSON 4



❑

Tuesday

January 23



Part 3



"Jesus Increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with

JESUS, THE God and man" (Luke 2:52).

MODEL



WORKMAN



The ideal development is that development that is Godward

and manward. Jesus was the kind of person who received the

approbation of God in His life and was appreciated by all right

thinking people for His service to man. These are marks of true

greatness.

What trade did Jesus learn and use as a young man In

Nazareth? Mark

6:3.

"The life of Christ from His earliest years was a life of earnest

activity. He lived not to please Himself. He was the Son of the

infinite God, yet He worked at the carpenter's trade with His

father Joseph. His trade was significant. He had come into the

world as the character builder, and as such all His work was

perfect. Into all His secular labor He brought the same perfec-

tion as into the characters He was transforming by His divine

power. He is our pattern."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

p. 345.

The years that Jesus spent in Nazareth have been called "the

hidden years." From the time He returned from Jerusalem at the

age of 12, to the time He came to be baptized of John around the

age of 30, He lived a quiet life, being subject to His parents, and

doubtless supporting His mother after the death of Joseph. All

we are told is that He "grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled

with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him" (Luke 2:40).

One thing is certain; Jesus was a hard worker, and in His work

He manifested the spirit and character of His heavenly Father.

What did Jesus say about His work? John 9:4; Matt. 20:28.

There was an urgency in the attitude of Jesus to His work.

Time was moving along, and there were things that had to be

done in the immediate present. We cannot postpone to the

future what needs to be done today. Because of who He was and

what He was, Jesus applied Himself to the tasks that were His to

perform. He was true to His Father and faithful to the people

whom He had come to serve.

THINK IT THROUGH

What work of Jesus was more important, His work as a

carpenter, or His work of preaching and healing?

"He was doing God's service just as much when laboring at

the carpenter's bench as when working miracles for the

multitude."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 74.

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 72-74.

The Privilege of Work

LESSON 4



❑

Wednesday

January 24



Part 4



How does Paul say the Christian ought to relate himself to

RELATIONSHIPS his master or employer?

AT WORK

"Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters ac-

cording to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of

your heart, as unto Christ; not with eyeservice, as menpleas-

ers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the

heart" (Eph. 6:5, 6).

Although slavery as an institution is not practiced in the world

today as it was in the days of Paul, nevertheless, many are

caught in the clutches of an economic system that may be as

harsh and demanding as slavery. Slavery may be gone, but the

problem of relationships, about which Ephesians 6:5, 6 speaks,

still remains for most of us.

The Christian is honest, faithful, respectful, diligent,

wholehearted in his service for his employer. Not because his

employer is worthy of all these characteristics—in many in-

stances, his employer may not be worthy of any of them—but

because that is the way he should work as a Christian employee.

All the time he is working he is really serving his Lord Jesus

Christ. His work is a testimony of his relationship with his God.

The employee may not be able to preach a sermon or give a

Bible study, but his faithful service speaks louder than words

and in many instances is even more effective.

What counsel does Paul give to employers in the matter of

relationships? Eph. 6:9.

Employers, no less than employees, should show that their

relationship to God is right. They are not to lord it over their

employees, nor are they to treat some better than others. James

warns against those who take financial advantage of their

employees. (See James 5:4.) God holds everyone responsible

for the way he uses his authority and position of rank, and He

will not let the one who misuses his power go unpunished.

Whether a person is an employee or an employer, or acts in

both capacities, he is one to whom God has entrusted talents

and opportunities. It is for him to use them faithfully, being

ready to give an account to his Lord for all that he has done.



THINK IT THROUGH



When there are abuses in work relationships between

employer and employee, what should the Christian do?

God never condones evil, but He is the one to judge, and He is

the best one to take appropriate action. We must be careful not

to try to do God's work for Him!

FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons, "Shall

Not God Avenge His Own?"

pp. 177-180.

The Privilege of Work

LESSON 4



❑

Thursday

January 25



Part 5



To what has God called us?

WORK AND



VOCATION



"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not

according to our works, but according to his own purpose and

grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world

began" (2 Tim. 1:9).

Most of us have to take part in secular activity in order to earn

a living. But we also have a spiritual calling. In all our work,

whatever it may be, we must glorify God, showing that all we do

is done for Him.

It is God who gives the skills necessary to perform the various

types of service. God instructs the farmer. (See Isa. 28:25, 26.)

God called special persons for particular manual skills and

granted them a measure of His spirit for constructing the taber-

nacle. (See Ex. 31:2-6.) One of our responsibilities is to discover

what talent God has given us and then to use it in His service.

What did Paul urge Timothy to make use of? 2 Tim. 1:6.

Some people are governed by personal ambition in their

selection of what they would do in life. The result is often tragic.

"Many a man whose talents are adapted for some other calling,

is ambitious to enter a profession; and he who might have been

successful as a farmer, an artisan, or a nurse, fills inadequately

the position of a minister, a lawyer, or a physician."—Education,

p. 267.

"We need to follow more closely God's plan of life. To do our

best in the work that lies nearest, to commit our ways to God,

and to watch for the indications of His providence—these are

rules that ensure safe guidance in the choice of an occupation."

—Education,

p. 267.

It is interesting to note that in the New Testament men were

called to be saints, or apostles, or fishers of men. This suggests

that there is a higher calling that applies to everyone regardless

of his mode of earning a living. The matter of first importance is

not what type of work we do every day for a living, but that we act

as children of God and accomplish God's purposes.

THINK IT THROUGH

How can the Christian be guided in choosing that type of

work that is best suited to him?

"Christ in His life on earth made no plans for Himself. He

accepted God's plans for Him, and day by day the Father un-

folded His plans. So should we depend upon God, that our lives

may be the simple outworking of His will. As we commit our

ways to Him, He will direct our steps."—The

Ministry of Healing,

p. 479.

FURTHER STUDY



The Ministry of Healing,

pp. 469-482.



The Privilege of



Work

LESSON 4



❑

Friday

January 26



Part 6 •



"We are labourers together with God" (1 Cor. 3:9).

WORK,

A BLESSING



Those who work as God intends they should are described as

God's fellow workers, workers together with God. They live in

harmony with the laws of the universe, and will live forever.

What advice does the wise man have for the person who

does not like to work? Prov. 6:6-11.

The sluggard is the person who exercises no self-discipline.

He acts according to the impulse of the moment. He soon finds

that by indulging in the pleasures of the moment he misses out

on the real satisfactions of life.

What drastic rule did Paul lay down when he was with the

Thessalonians? 2 Thess. 3:10.

"The Lord does not require the hardworking man to support

others in idleness. With many there is a waste of time, a lack of

effort, which brings to poverty and want. If these faults are not

corrected by those who indulge them, all that might be done in

their behalf would be like putting treasure into a bag with holes.

Yet there is an unavoidable poverty, and we are to manifest

tenderness and compassion toward those who are unfortunate.

We should treat others just as we ourselves, in like cir-

cumstances would wish to be treated."—Christ's

Object Les-

sons,

pp. 247, 248.

What exhortation did Paul give to the Thessalonians?

1 Thess. 4:11.

Hard work means that we help ourselves and we gain the

respect of the community. But work is not enjoined as an end in

itself; it is a means to an end, and that end is the service of God.

It is not to be limited to labor for life's necessities, but to include

labor "for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life" (John

6:27). There are some types of activity that the Christian can

never engage in because they involve the breaking of the law.

(See Eph. 4:28.) But the work of the Lord is that kind of labor that

will always bring joy and satisfaction.



THINK IT THROUGH



Why does work often have therapeutic value?

"Inactivity is the greatest curse that could come upon most

invalids. Light employment in useful labor, while it does not tax

mind or body, has a happy influence upon both. It strengthens

the muscles, improves the circulation, and gives the invalid the

satisfaction of knowing that he is not wholly useless in this busy

World."—The

Ministry of Healing,

p. 240.



FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"Talents," pp. 358-365.

LESSON 5 January 28-February 3

The cal

tto

Senvicit

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord,

all ye lands. Serve the Lord with

gladness: come before his presence

with singing. Know ye that the Lord he

is God: it is he that hath made us, and

not we ourselves; we are his people,

and the sheep of his pasture" (Ps.

100:1-3).

We all must serve someone. We

cannot be so neutral that we serve no

one. A common human problem is

that we want to serve more than one:

We want to serve God, but we also

want to serve ourselves; we want to

give our hearts to God, but we want to

hold on selfishly to our possessions.

Jesus said that this attempt to serve

two masters is impossible. (See Matt.

6:24.)

Christian service is not a drudgery.

Someone has said that it is "perfect

freedom." There is a paradox in

Christian living, that if we would gain

life we must be prepared to give it up.

As the hymn writer puts it: "Make me a

captive, Lord, And then I shall be free;

Force me to render up my sword, And I

shall conqueror be."—The

Church

Hymnal,

no. 284. We can find supreme

joy in serving the Lord, because in His

service we truly find ourselves and

achieve all that the heart can desire.

Furthermore, it does not require

special talent to serve the Lord. It is

obvious, of course, that the man with

five talents can contribute more than

the man with less. But everyone has at

least one talent, and if he uses this to

God's honor and glory, he will get the

same reward as the one more gifted

than he, because the reward is of grace

and not of work.

God calls for wholehearted service

to Him. In the controversy with sin

God sees that man's salvation is

dependent on man's taking an active

part on God's side. He must serve the

Creator against the wishes of the

usurper; he must struggle against the

wiles of the enemy and

overcome.

In our lesson this week we see how

man can serve his Creator. First of all

he is called to be a watchman. He must

warn of danger that is coming. Then

we see how the Christian is to give a

testimony to the experiences and

knowledge that he has gained. In the

struggle against evil he must endure to

the end if he is to be saved. There must

be no turning back on promises made.

In the fourth part of the lesson we

learn that a man must do as Jesus

did—take up his cross. Then he must

follow in the footsteps of the Master.

Finally, we note that the Christian is

called to a high and holy calling, one in

which he must be sanctified. The one

who lives this way is serving his Lord in

the most acceptable manner.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

The Call to Watch and Warn

(Eze. 3:17)

The Call to Witnesi_

(Acts 1:8)

The Call to Endure

(2 Tim. 2:3)

The Call to Take Up the Cross

(Matt. 16:24)

The Call to Follow

(John 10:27)

The Call to Be Perfect

(Matt. 5:48)

D. TANK

The Call to Service

LESSON 5



❑

Sunday

January 28

Part 1



"Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house

THE CALL of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them

TO WATCH warning from me" (Eze. 3:17).

AND WARN

THINK IT THROUGH

Jesus told His disciples that they were to watch because they

did not know when their Lord would come. (See Matt. 14:42.) A

watching servant is one who is not caught unawares but is busy

doing his duty, in spite of distractions of the surroundings.

What Is Jesus' description of the watchful servant? Matt.

24:45-47.

Another dimension of watching is added in the experience of

Ezekiel—he is to watch and to warn. He is to be concerned, not

only with his own welfare, but with the welfare of others.

The figure of speech used by Ezekiel is that of a man stationed

on the wall of a city commissioned to keep his eyes open for the

enemy that might be creeping up stealthily with the purpose of

taking the city unawares. Most of the inhabitants are asleep.

They are dependent on the watchman to stay awake and per-

form his duty. As soon as he sees danger, he blows the trumpet

of warning, and the people arouse to resist the enemy.

Ezekiel says that we are as responsible for giving the warning

to others as we are for knowing it ourselves.

What solemn responsibility Is placed on the watchman?

Eze. 33:7-9.

Since God has given us a truth that involves the whole world,

we cannot, with impunity keep this truth to ourselves. It does not

follow that when we tell someone of the truth that he will accept

it and be saved. But when we have passed on to him the mes-

sage we have received from God, then he alone is responsible

for his reaction to the message. On the other hand, if we have

had a chance to witness and have not seized the opportunity,

the loss of a soul that results is placed at our charge. This

emphasizes how important it is for us to share our faith.

Instead of coming like a thief in the night and requiring that

His disciples watch, why does not our Lord tell us the time

when He will come?

If the early church had been told that two thousand years

would pass before the second advent, they would have been

discouraged. At the same time, for every one of us the moment

of death is the end of probation, and the next significant event is

the coming of Jesus. Since death can come at any time, it is

necessary to watch at all times and seize every opportunity to

witness to the truths of the gospel.

FURTHER STUDY



The Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 360-362.

The Call to Service

LESSON 5



❑

Monday

January 29

Part 2



"Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost Is come

THE CALL upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in

TO WITNESS Jerusalem, and in Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the utter-

most part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

From the experience of the centurion at Calvary, what can

we learn about the basic qualifications for a witness? Luke

23:47, 48.

One must first of all see with his own eyes, feel with his own

body and mind, and experience in his heart and life, before he

can really give an effective testimony. That which is grasped

only by the mind, or is learned at second hand, cannot be vitally

communicated to another. That is why it is so important to have

a living experience of the truth.

From the last words of Jesus to His disciples, what do we

learn is essential to witnessing besides the firsthand experi-

ence of knowing? Acts 1:8.

It is the Holy Spirit that gives power and effectiveness to the

witness, for it is the Spirit of God that works on the heart of the

listener, to convict and to convince. (See John 16:7-11.) The

Holy Spirit also indites the words that are spoken so that they

are the right words for the occasion. (See Matt. 10:19, 20.)

In an investigation to learn the truth about an event, witnesses

are essential. Their word provides evidence as well as confirms

other evidence. Without witnesses the truth is hidden, and a lie

cannot be discovered. The same principle of testifying to the

truth applies to God and His universe.

God finds His special witnesses in men and women who have

heard His call and testified to what God has been able to do in

and through them. On one occasion the Jews wanted Jesus to

silence the people when they were crying Hosanna to Him. He

said that if the people did not bear their testimony the stones

would cry out. (See Luke 19:39, 40.) In other words, the truth of

what God has done and is doing for man cannot be kept quiet.

The heavens declare the glory of God; every flower and tree

speaks of the love of God; but it is man who has the duty and

responsibility, being the highest order in the earthly sphere, to

raise his voice in testimony to the God who has done so much

for him.



THINK IT THROUGH



Why do some people find it difficult to witness to their faith?

It does not require education or advanced learning to tell

what one has seen and heard. It only requires a heart of love and

a tongue, and most people are blessed with this. How do we use

our tongues? Is it to bless or to curse?



FURTHER STUDY



The Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 465-468.

4-A.L. 1-79

The Call to Service

LESSON 5



❑

Tuesday

January 30

Part 3



"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of

THE CALL Jesus Christ" (2 Tim. 2:3).

TO ENDURE

In this second letter to Timothy, Paul refers to three types of

occupations: the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer. (See

verses 3-7.) All of them have to discipline themselves in order to

accomplish their tasks.

What characteristics of the Christian does Paul draw from

the experience of the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer?

2 Tim. 2:3-7.

"In the army, no soldier gets himself mixed up in civilian life,"

the Jerusalem Bible translates verse 4. So the Christian must

not get mixed up with the world.

The athlete knows that he must

keep

all the rules of the

contest if he is to win a crown. Likewise, the Christian knows

that he must order his life according to the principles of living

laid down in the Bible.

The farmer works hard at preparing the soil and sowing the

seed and keeping away anything that would prevent his crop

from coming to full fruition. So also must the Christian be

faithful in applying himself wholly to his task so that he can eat

of the fruit of his endeavors.

What kind of man does James picture as being blessed or

happy? James 1:12.

What type of person did Jesus say would be saved? Matt.

10:22.

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

It is comparatively easy to begin the Christian life, or even to

begin anything. It takes stamina to continue in the Christian

pathway in spite of difficulties and hardships. To grit one's

teeth, to determine by God's grace not to give up when the

going is hard, this is what is necessary at times, although the

Christian life has many moments of joy and happiness.

How would you show that the average Christian does not

begin to go through the hardships that Jesus had to endure?

Heb. 12:3, 4.

"Men are wanted in this work who will not murmur or com-

plain at hardships or trials, knowing that this-isa part of the

legacy that Jesus has left them. They should be willing to go

without the camp and suffer reproach and bear burdens as

good soldiers of Christ. They will bear the cross of Christ with-

out complaint, without murmuring or fretfulness, and will be

patient in tribulation."—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 423.

Education,

pp. 295-297.

The Call to Service

LESSON 5



❑

Wednesday

January 31



Part 4



"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and

THE CALL TO take up his cross, and follow me" (Matt. 16:24).

TAKE UP



THE CROSS



Jesus knew what was ahead of Him. He told His disciples

details which they did not understand, but which they would see

fulfilled in every respect. (See Luke 18:31-34.)

What did Jesus say every disciple would have to take up if

he were to be a true follower? Matt. 16:24.

The disciples knew very well what a cross was. They had seen

many in their travels north and south. The Romans used these

instruments of execution to make examples of Jews who had

fallen afoul of Roman law or authority. It was a symbol of the

power of the oppressor, of the bitterness of subjugation. The

language of Jesus must have come as a shock to men and

women who were hoping that the Messiah would free them from

the yoke of the Gentile. But the language is unmistakable. The

words of Jesus are recorded in all three synoptic Gospels.

One of the cruel aspects of a crucifixion was that the victim

had to carry his own cross. Can you imagine how reluctantly a

person would take it up? Yet Jesus says that the Christian is to

"take up his cross." How is this to be understood? It means he is

to deny himself, to die to self.

Let us look at the cross of Jesus and see what happened

there. Note the following aspects: (1) Jesus was being unjustly

treated by other people; (2) the other people should have known

better; (3) the treatment was public and shameful.

It would seem, then, that taking up a cross means being

willing to submit to unjust and shameful treatment at the hands

of people who ought to know better.

Human nature revolts against the idea of submission to unjust

treatment. But that was exactly the experience of Jesus, who

said that the servant is not above his Lord and he must not be

surprised if he is treated as his Lord was. (See John 15:20.)

Can you think of examples of Christians who accepted ig-

nominy and torture in the spirit of Christ? (See Acts 16:22-25.)

"The apostles [Paul and Silas] suffered extreme torture be-

cause of the painful position in which they were left, but they did

not murmur. Instead, in the utter darkness and desolation of the

dungeon, they encouraged each other by words of prayer and

sang praises to God because they were found worthy to suffer

shame for His sake."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 213, 214.



THINK IT THROUGH



Are there times when the Christian should stand up for his

rights? Who is the one who can do this best for him?



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 416-418.

The Call to Service

LESSON 5



❑

Thursday

February 1

Part 5

THE CALL

TO FOLLOW

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow

me" (John 10:27).

A few people are called to lead, but most of us follow. Even

leaders need to follow a pattern or an ideal. In relation to Jesus,

Christian followers and leaders alike are followers. The Chris-

tian hears the voice of Jesus and follows Him.

What example in the Old Testament do we have of someone

who learned a true way and decided to follow it to the end?

Ruth 1:16, 17.

The story of Ruth tells of one who had learned about the true

God and decided she could not go back to her people and their

gods. God blessed her richly. She was an ancestress of Christ

even though she was not an Israelite. No one who follows the

true God loses as a consequence of this choice.

What contrast is given in Jude 16-21 between what many

people in the world follow and what the Christian follows?

What is the result to each?

There are only two roads to take; one leads to eternal life and

the other leads to death. One results in being a blessing to one's

self and to others; the other results in being a problem to one's

self and to others. Why do so many take the wrong one?

What conditions did Jesus give for those who would follow

("come after") Him? Matt. 16:24.

Jesus lived a life of self-denying service and taught others to

do the same. Following Jesus means going about doing good

even as He did. (See Acts 10:38.) We need eyes to see where we

can do good to another and a willing spirit to do it. The kind

word spoken, the unpretentious help given glorifies the One

whom we follow.

Why is it that many do not offer their services to help those

in need? Is the average Christian too busy caring for his own

interests? How would you try to bring about a change?

"Many have excused themselves from rendering their gifts to

the service of Christ because others were possessed of superior

endowments and advantages. The opinion has prevailed that

only those who are especially talented are required to conse-

crate their abilities to the service of God. . . . But it is not so

represented in the parable. When the master of the house called

his servants, he gave to every man

his

work."—Steps

to Christ,

p. 82.

Steps to Christ,

"The Work and the Life," pp. 80-83.

The Call to Service

LESSON 5



❑

Friday

February 2

Part 6

THE CALL TO

BE PERFECT

THINK IT THROUGH

"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in

heaven Is perfect" (Matt. 5:48).

This text has caused many heartaches! How can anyone be

perfect, let alone be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect? In

Christ the Christian may be perfect. (See

Selected Messages,

bk. 2, p. 32.)

The Greek word translated "perfect" in Matthew 5:48 also has

the meaning "mature." It is used in this sense in Hebrews 10:14.

The context in Matthew 5 is the impartial love of the heavenly

Father (verse 45) for human beings. Jesus calls on us to be

mature by loving people impartially as the Father does.

What standard of living is set for the child of God in Leviticus

19:2?

God Himself is the standard that is set for the Christian;

whatever He is, the Christian is expected to be. Since God is

holy, the Christian must be holy in all the phases of his life. Just

as God is perfect in His attitude to all, so the Christian is called to

have a right relationship to everyone.

What does Jeremiah 31:31-34 say about how man can attain

the standards God has set?

When God commands, He also gives the power to obey. To do

otherwise would be unreasonable. The good news of the gospel

is that through Jesus our failure to reach the standard is for-

given. The shortfall of our best efforts is made up by Christ's

merit. We are given power so that in Christ the Christian can do

all things. (See Phil. 4:13.)

How important is holiness and the sanctified life for the

Christian? Heb. 12:14.

"Holiness will lead its possessor to be fruitful and abound in

all good works. He will never become weary in well-doing,

neither will he look for promotion in this world.... Holiness of

heart will produce right actions. It is the absence of spirituality,

of holiness, which leads to unrighteous acts, to envy, hatred,

jealousy, evil surmisings, and every hateful and abominable

sin."—Testimonies,

vol. 2, p. 445.

Does God set different standards for different people, or

does He set one standard for all to attain? What do you think

that standard Is?

FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"Talents," pp. 328-333.

LESSON 6 February 4-10

cern for tilers

"Simon, Simon, take heed: Satan

has been given leave to sift all of you

like wheat; but for you I have prayed

that your faith may not fail" (Luke

22:31, 32, NEB).

Jesus often had insights into the

character and experience of those he

met, such as Nathanael (John 1:48),

Peter (Luke 22:31, 32), and the woman

of Samaria (John 4:17,18). In each case

He showed great concern. There was

something very personal about His

relationships with everyone.

In this regard Jesus has set an

important example for His followers;

the Christian is to be alive to the needs

of those around him, and, whatever

the cost, he is to spend and be spent in

meeting their material and spiritual

needs.

Perhaps one of the basic

weaknesses of our modern society is

that it tends to be impersonal. There is

much good that is being done in the

world, but it is being done on a

computer basis, at second hand.

Much money is being distributed,

much food. But people are numbers,

and distributors are companies. What

we so much need is the personal

concern and touch.

In our lesson this week we look at

the areas of concern to every

Christian. We see that he cannot live

for himself, closing his eyes and ears

to the appeals all around him. As a

faithful steward, blessed with an

abundant supply of all his needs, he

willingly reaches out to help those less

fortunate than himself.

The Christian's first responsibility is

to his kith and kin. He ought not to

allow them to be a public charge, or to

be a burden to the church. Then there

are the orphans and widows, those

who are without relatives and cannot

always support themselves. Third,

there are those who have fallen upon

hard times. Their plight has come to

our attention in a personal way, and

there is obviously something we can

and ought to do for them. Like the man

who had fallen among thieves, they

are in need of a Good Samaritan. Then

there are organizations that prepare

for emergencies. They stock up with

food and clothing, to be ready when

disaster strikes. These organizations

need leadership and sacrifice. But

there are spiritual needs to be

supplied; books and tracts to be

distributed; Bibles to be given out; the

truth to be shared in meetings and

Bible studies. Both near and far, the

Christian has a ready ear for needs and

a willing heart and hand to give as the

Lord has blessed him.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

The Needs of Parents and Relatives

(Mark 7:11-13)

Orphans and Widows

(James 1:27)

Neighbors Near and Far

(Luke 10:36, 37)

Welfare Organizations

(Acts 9:36)

Reaching the Unlovable

(Prov. 25:21, 22)

Sowing the Seed

(Eccl. 11:6)

JOAN WALTER

Concern for Others.

LESSON 6



❑

Sunday

February 4



Part 1



What practice in regard to parents did Jesus condemn?

NEEDS OF



PARENTS AND



"Ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is

RELATIVES Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be

profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to

do ought for his father or his mother; making the word of God

of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered:

and many such like things do ye" (Mark 7:11-13).

The fifth commandment states: "Honor thy father and thy

mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord

thy God giveth thee" (Ex. 20:12).

This commandment obviously means more than giving nom-

inal respect to father and mother; it means caring for them

materially according to their need. Jesus made this clear when

He objected to the tradition whereby a son could dedicate his

possessions for religious purposes, and thus escape his obliga-

tions to support his needy parents.

It is only proper that children should care for the needs of

parents in their old age as necessary. Even during the agony of

the cross Jesus remembered His mother. (See John 19:25-27.)

It is the privilege of the Christian family to be tied by bonds of

love and affection. It is sin that causes members of the family to

harm one another, as in the case of Cain. (See Gen. 4:8, 9.)

Families may be broken up because of the truth. (See Matt.

10:21, 22.) But the ideal is that unbroken families can enter the

kingdom of heaven. Furthermore, the truth can enlarge the

boundary of family connections. Note in Mark 10:29, 30 the

promise that is made to the disciple who has had to give up

physical family ties because of opposition to the truth.

What answer is implied by the question in 1 John 3:17?

Love is a gift from God, and the heart that is imbued with love

cannot remain unconcerned when there is a crying need. John

goes on to say (verse 18) that love is not true love that expresses

itself only in words; love finds its true expression in acts of

kindness and deep concern. (See 1 John 3:18.)

What was Paul's view of one who did not support his family?

1 Tim. 5:8.

THINK IT THROUGH

Does one's obligation to the family depend on whether the

members of the family are in the church or not? Is It proper

sometimes to cut off the financial resources of a member of

the family because he refuses to comply with church regula-

tions?

FURTHER STUDY



First Corinthians 13.

Concern for Others

LESSON 6



❑

Monday

February 5

Part 2



"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is

ORPHANS this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and

AND WIDOWS to keep himself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27).

These words of James must come as a shock to those who

think of religion in terms of church services, where one listens

to sacred music, offers prayers, and hears the word of God

presented in a sermon. All this has its place in religious life, but

the point that James makes means that attendance at religious

services without active, loving service in everyday life for others

in need is not "pure religion."

What elements of religion does Micah point to as constitut-

ing the most important features of worship? Micah 6:6-8.

Death snatches away the breadwinner and parent with drastic

consequences to the rest of the family. Shall people be left to

suffer alone in their bereavement? The Bible says, No! Members

of the church, in loving sympathy, are to relieve the burdens as

far as possible. Orphans need to be cared for, and women who

have no means of support are to have their wants supplied.

What rules for the Ephesus church regarding church sup-

port of needy widows does Paul give In 1 Timothy 5:9-16?

Paul recognizes that not all widows are helpless in their situa-

tion. Mere widowhood is not a claim on church finances. But

where there is need and piety on the part of the widow, then the

church members have a responsibility to do what they can to

relieve hardship. After citing James 1:27, Ellen White says: "I

saw that this is not merely to sympathize with them by comfort-

ing words in their affliction, but to aid them, if needy, with our

substance."—Testimonies, vol.

1, p. 190.

THINK IT THROUGH

How can the church meet its obligations by caring for the

needy without being hindered from accomplishing its task of

preaching the gospel?

"With every gift and offering there should be a suitable object

before the giver, not to uphold any in idleness, not to be seen of

men or to get a great name, but to glorify God by advancing His

cause. Some make large donations to the cause of God while

their brother who is poor, may be suffering close by them, and

they do nothing to relieve him. Little acts of kindness performed

for their brother in a secret manner would bind their hearts

together, and would be noticed in heaven. I saw that in their

prices and wages the rich should make a difference in favor of

the afflicted and widows and the worthy poor among them."—

Testimonies, vol.

1, p. 194.

FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

vol. 2, pp. 27, 28, 33.

Concern for Others

LESSON 6



❑

Tuesday

February 6



Part 3



"Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour

NEIGHBORS unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that

NEAR AND FAR shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do

thou likewise" (Luke 10:36, 37).

The Jewish lawyer did not expect to have to confess that a

hated Samaritan could act in a neighborly fashion. Yet the story

Jesus told could not be understood in any other way. Rather

than lisp the word "Samaritan," he used a circumlocution: "He

that shewed mercy on him."

What instruction was given the Jews regarding their

neighbors? Lev. 19:18, 33, 34; Prov. 3:28, 29.

Love is the fulfilling of the law, because God is love. And there

are to be no limits to love just as there are no limits to God's love.

The person who loves only his relatives is doing only what is part

of his natural inclinations; the heathen do likewise. When a

Christian is a partaker of the divine nature, then he finds himself

reaching out in love and mercy to those around him.

Whom, in addition to the neighbor, did Jesus say we are to

love? Matt. 5:43-45.

The Christian is never to return evil for evil. There must always

flow from his heart and lips words and deeds of kindness. This is

not easy to do to those who are ungrateful, unsympathetic, and

openly hostile. But God Himself faces a like situation with the

world, yet He always provides people with their needs. The

Christian is to be generous and helpful, not because of any

reward he receives, but just because he is a child of God and

reflects his Father's image.

Loving one's neighbor will mean sharing one's understand-

ing of the gospel and extending the invitation to accept Jesus as

a personal Saviour. However, it must not be limited to religious

goals and objectives. Man's needs are often physical as in the

case of the one who had fallen among thieves, and the multitude

who had been with Jesus all day and were hungry. The Christian

must be prepared to meet needs, both temporal and spiritual.



THINK IT THROUGH



What may happen to the Christian who refuses to share his

blessings with his neighbors?

"We need to guard against the first deviation from righteous-

ness; for one transgression, one neglect to manifest the spirit of

Christ, opens the way for another and still another, until the

mind is overmastered by the principles of the enemy."—

Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 265.



FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"Who Is My Neighbour?" pp. 376-

382.

Concern for Others

LESSON 6



❑

Wednesday

February 7

Part 4



"Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha,

WELFARE which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full

ORGANIZATIONS of good works and almsdeeds which she did" (Acts 9:36).

The name, "Dorcas Society" has been in many cases

changed for another title, but the same type of work is still

performed and appreciated. Tabitha, or Dorcas, was a woman

who was active in sewing for the poor. When she died, Peter was

called, and he was shown "the coats and garments which Dor-

cas made" (verse 39). Somehow Peter was impressed that he

should pray that she be restored to a life of continued service,

and a miracle occurred. Not everyone who has lived a life of

service is raised to life to continue the service, but the experi-

ence of Dorcas was doubtless given to show God's approval of

this type of activity.

What was the result of the experience of Dorcas? Acts 9:42.

Some may think that it was the miracle alone that brought

many to a knowledge of the truth. But Jesus pointed out that the

performance of a miracle does not necessarily produce faith.

(See Luke 16:31.) It is more likely that the background of the life

of Dorcas, together with her resurrection, called the attention of

people to God who could do such a marvelous act. Dorcas's life

certainly was the kind of life which God approved of and en-

dorsed by raising her to life.

What kind of service does God say He prefers from His

people? Isa. 58:7.

"I cannot too strongly urge all our church members, all who

are true missionaries, all who believe the third angel's message,

all who turn away their feet from the Sabbath, to consider the

message of the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. The work of be-

neficence enjoined in this chapter is the work that God requires

His people to do at this time. It is a work of His own appoint-

ment."—Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 265.

How did Jesus say men come to glorify God? Matt. 5:14,16.

Too often we belittle the humble deeds of everyday life. But

the fact is that what we do counts for much more than what we

say. People will be more impressed with the life of the minister

than by his sermons, by the kindly deeds of the members of the

church rather than the doctrines.



THINK IT THROUGH



Is your church doing all that it might do for its community?

Are you sharing in preparations for emergency situations? If

not, why not?



FURTHER STUDY



The Ministry of Healing,

pp. 104-107.

Concern for Others

LESSON 6



❑

Thursday

February 8



Part 5



"If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he

REACHING THE be thirsty, give him water to drink: for thou shalt heap coals of

UNLOVABLE fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee" (Prov.

25:21, 22).

There are certain people we would rather stay away from,

some that we feel like fighting. The Scripture says that the way

to defeat an enemy is to be kind to him! In other words there is

no one who is outside the pale of our beneficence!

How did God set the pattern of being concerned for sinners

and enemies? Rom. 5:6-10.

If we wait for people to be loving to us before we are loving to

them, we shall probably wait a long time. The Christian goes

about doing good to all because that was exactly what Jesus

did. (See Acts 10:38.)

How may the Christian

saved from being weary of doing

good to those who are not appreciative or thankful? Heb. 12:3.

No one was more rejected than Jesus. He came to the world

which He had created, and the people whom He had chosen

rejected Him. (See John 1:11.) The Christian, too, may be re-

jected on many occasions. He may even have to forfeit his life.

There are times when the Christian may feel that he has a right

to be indignant, that he should teach someone a lesson. But the

fact is that God is the only righteous judge in every situation,

and the Christian must leave it to Him to do what is necessary.

He never pays back evil for evil, but he overcomes evil with

good. (See Rom. 12:17-21.)

Some question the efficacy of such a policy of kindness to all.

They ask the question: May not kindness be interpreted by the

enemy as weakness? Does not the wicked man take advantage

of the kindness of the Christian and never reform? Doubtless

this is often true. But surely the one who continues to do evil in

the face of kindness is going to have to face a righteous judge

who will take all things into account. And the fact is that kind-

ness and love win in the end, even though there may be an

apparent defeat in the present. The Christian is to do the right

thing at all times and leave the consequences to God.



THINK IT THROUGH



Can you think of examples of times when love has won out in

a conflict between truth and error?

"Love will gain the victory when argument and authority are

powerless. Love works not for profit nor reward; yet God has

ordained that great gain shall be the certain result of every labor

love."—Testimonies,

vol. 2, p. 135.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

vol. 2, pp. 133-136.

Concern for Others

LESSON 6



❑

Friday

February 9

Part 6



"In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold

SOWING not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper,

THE SEED either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good"

(Eccl. 11:6).

There is no time when the Christian cannot or should not do

good. Morning, noon, and night are all suitable occasions. In

this regard he is like a sower who sows his seed. It is God who

gives the increase; but the sower must sow the seed.

What parable did Jesus give to show how the kingdom of

heaven is like sowing seeds? Mark 4:26-29.

In this parable Jesus makes it clear that it is God who causes

the seed to grow and develop. "The work of the sower is a work

of faith. The mystery of the germination and growth of the seed

he cannot understand. But he has confidence in the agencies by

which God causes vegetation to flourish. In casting his seed

into the ground, he is apparently throwing away the precious

grain that might furnish bread for his family. But he is only

giving up a present good for a larger return. He casts the seed

away, expecting to gather it manyfold in an abundant harvest.

So Christ's servants are to labor, expecting a harvest from the

seed they

sow."—Christ's Object Lessons,

pp. 64, 65.

What assurance is given that when a person sows a good

deed, he will rejoice in the consequences? Ps. 126:6; Eccl.

11:1.

It is human to want to see results. We should remember

that the controversy between good and evil is a long, drawn-out

battle, and that we may have to wait until we get into the king-

dom before we can see all the good that has been done.

According to what does God reward those who trust in Him?

Rev. 22:12.

"Not the amount of labor performed or its visible results but

the spirit in which the work is done makes it of value with

God."—Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 397.



THINK IT THROUGH



Am I using my talent in the Master's service? Am I as con-

cerned about others as I am for myself?

The Christian should not devote himself to only one phase of

activity. Just as he needs to eat, work, and sleep in order to meet

his physical requirements, so he must care for his own spiritual

needs and not neglect his obligations to others.



FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons, "First

the Blade, Then the Ear," pp.

62-69.

LESSON 7 February 11-17

The Gr ce

Giving

"Give, and it shall be given unto

you; good measure, pressed down,

and shaken together, and running

over, shall men give into your bosom.

For with the same measure that ye

mete withal it shall be measured to you

again" (Luke 6:38).

It takes grace to give. Even though

giving is recognized as a good thing, it

is hard for a person in his natural

condition to give up what he has

acquired. The commandment, "Thou

shalt not covet," points up one of

man's greatest weaknesses, the desire

to get without giving.

By contrast we see God in Jesus

Christ giving all that He had. "Ye

know,' said Paul, "the grace of our

Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was

rich, yet for your sakes he became

poor, that ye through his poverty

might be rich" (2 Cor. 8:9).

Here is the pattern that the Christian

is to follow. He has been the recipient

of a gift, and so he is under obligation

to share his privileges with others.

(See Matt. 10:8.) Not the least part of

the new gift he has received is a new

nature (see 2 Cor. 5:17), so that giving

is natural for him, a way of life in which

he finds joy in giving.

In our lesson this week we notice

first of all that God is the greatest

Giver. He gave His Son and through

Him freely gives us all things. (See

Rom. 8:32.) He is the Source of life and

all that makes life worth living.

Consequently man's response is that

of giving himself to the One who did

so much for him. (See 2 Cor. 5:15.)

People who have accepted God's

great gift cannot live to themselves,

but must be concerned about those

around them. (See Phil. 2:4.) There is

an interesting paradox in giving. The

more one gives the more one receives.

The opposite is also true. The more

one withholds of what ought to be

distributed, the more one becomes

poor. (See Prov. 11:24.) How foolish,

then, to hold on to that which makes

one poor! Giving has its own reward in

that the giver never loses. With the

same measure he uses to give to

others, it will be measured to him in

return. (See Luke 6:38.) There is

therefore a joy in giving, and it is the

cheerful giver that God loves. How

fortunate for all of us that the measure

of giving is determined by what we

have, and not by what we do not have!

Rich and poor can alike share in this

grace of giving. In fact two mites given

by a poor widow may be worth more

than the silver and gold of those who

are affluent and give of their surplus.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

The Great Giver

(Rom. 8:32)

Man's Response to God's Giving

(2 Cor. 5:14, 15)

The Paradox of Giving

(Prov. 11:24, 25)

The Rewards of Giving

(Isa. 58:10, 11)

The Measure of a Gift

(2 Cor. 8:12)

The Cheerful Giver

(2 Cor. 9:7)

JOAN WALTER



The Grace of



Giving

LESSON 7



❑

Sunday

February 11



Part 1



"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us

THE GREAT all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things"

GIVER (Rom. 8:32).

No one can read the gospel without being impressed with the

great sacrifice that God made in giving His Son to die for man.

No wonder the songwriter exclaims, "Amazing grace!"

What is Paul's reaction to God's gift to man? 2 Cor. 9:15.

"Unspeakable.

Literally, 'that which cannot be described in

full.' There can be no full and complete exposition of the gift of

divine love. This ascription of praise to God provides a fitting

climax to the section dealing with the collection of a gift for the

saints at Jerusalem.... The divine gift, by which men are saved,

sanctified, and motivated to Christian service for others, is be-

yond human ability to comprehend in its fullness. Christ is often

described in the Scriptures as God's supreme gift to man."—

SDA

Bible Commentary,

vol. 6, p. 898.

Having given us His Son, what other provisions has God

made for us? Rom. 8:32.

Paul makes clear that there is no limit to what God is willing to

give to His children.

has not only redeemed man by the death

of His Son, but has also provided everything necessary for a full

and abundant life. (See John 10:10.) These gifts are all given

freely. Man has only to reach out and accept them.

What kind of gifts come from God to man? James 1:17.

God is the Author of only that which is good. His gifts are

perfect. His plans and purposes for man are for his highest good,

so that there is no legitimate ambition that man could dream up

for himself that could be any more desirable than the goal that

God Himself has already set. Just as God is supremely great, so

He is the greatest Giver. At the same time, God never changes;

therefore, the plans He has for man are established forever. It

is only man who causes changes, either by not accepting the

plan outlined for him, or not living up to the requirements that

are set for complete fulfillment.



THINK IT THROUGH



Since by definition God is perfect, is it possible for God to

have other than a perfect plan for man? Why is it that more

people are not seeking to fulfill God's plan in their lives?

"Every man has his place in the eternal plan of heaven.

Whether we fill that place depends upon our own faithfulness in

co-operating with God."—The

Ministry of Healing,

p. 476.



FURTHER STUDY



Steps to Christ,

"God's Love for Man," pp. 9-15.

The Grace of Giving

LESSON 7



❑

Monday

February 12

Part 2

MAN'S

RESPONSE TO

GOD'S GIVING

How should the believer react to the love of Christ?

"The love of Christ controls us, because we are convinced

that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died

for all, that those who live might live no longer for themselves

but for him who for their sake died and was raised" (2 Cor.

5:14, 15).

As a person faces the plan of redemption, the reasonable

choice is for him to choose to dedicate his life to the One who

gave everything for him. In fact, the price he pays in dedication

cannot come anywhere near the price that has been paid for his

ransom. No wonder Isaac Watts exclaimed:

"When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss,

And pour contempt on all my pride."

—The Church Hymnal,

no. 118.

How is the believer to relate to things that are his own and

those that belong to others? Phil. 2:4.

Unfortunately man is naturally selfish. He thinks of his own

affairs rather than the affairs of others. Paul noted this rather

sadly when he said: "For all seek their own, not the things which

are Jesus Christ's" (Phil. 2:21).

It is of the nature of love not to seek her own (1 Cor. 13:5), and

when man is filled with the love of Christ, then his thoughts go

out to the needs of others. "Those who feel the constraining

love of God do not ask how little may be given in order to obtain

the heavenly reward; they ask not for the lowest standard, but

aim at a perfect conformity to the will of their Redeemer."—

Testimonies, vol.

1, p. 160.

What Is the example that Jesus set for a life of ministry?

Matt. 20:28.

The Christian no longer serves himself; he serves his Lord. He

can put his whole heart into his work because he is not working

for men, but for God. (See Col. 3:23, 24.)

What is the result of such service? Life has more meaning.

Work is done better. Supervisors are more pleased and note the

source of faithfulness. There is greater joy, healthier relation-

ships, and opportunity for wider witness and service. ,



THINK IT THROUGH



Is a Christian a better worker for being a Christian? How

does religion help a person in accomplishing tasks?



FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"Talents," pp. 325, 326.

The Grace of Giving

LESSON 7



❑

Tuesday

February 13

Part 3

PARADOX

OF GIVING

According to the wise man, what is one cause of poverty?

"One man gives freely, yet grows all the richer;

another withholds what he should give, and only suffers

want.

A liberal man will be enriched,

and one who waters will himself be watered."

Prov. 11:24, 25, RSV.

It seems strange that a man may have more at the end by

giving away, and that he may find himself with less than he had

at the beginning if he hangs on to what he has.

"Scattereth.

Not every kind of scattering brings an increase.

Careless giving often does harm both to the giver and to the

receiver; but the loving, thoughtful endeavor to use one's

means to alleviate the sufferings and aid the struggles of those

in need, brings wealth to both. The more the giver's means are

used to help others, the more he receives. The same is true of

contributions made for the work of God (see v. 25). Withholding

more than is right tends to poverty, both spiritual and material."

—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,

vol. 3, p. 986.

What is the secret of successful accomplishment of Christ's

work by the believer? Matt. 25:14-30.

What lesson on giving is taught in 2 Corinthians 9:6?

"As we distribute God's temporal blessings, the evidence of

our love and sympathy awakens in the receiver gratitude and

thanksgiving to God. The soil of the heart is prepared to receive

the seeds of spiritual truth. And He who ministers seed to the

sower will cause the seed to germinate and bear fruit unto

eternal

life."—Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 86.

Are records kept of the offerings given by God's people?

"I was shown that the recording angel makes a faithful record

of every offering dedicated to God and put into the treasury, and

also of the final result of the means thus

bestowed."—Testimo-

nies,

vol. 2, p. 518.



THINK IT THROUGH



When a person has made his offering to the Lord, is he also

responsible for the way it is used in the church?

"Even though the means thus consecrated be misapplied, so

that it does not accomplish the object which the donor had in

view,—the glory of God and the salvation of souls,—those who

made the sacrifice in sincerity of soul, with an eye single to the

glory of God, will not lose their

reward."—Testimonies,

vol. 2,

p. 519.



FURTHER STUDY



The Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 335-340.

The Grace of Giving

LESSON 7



❑

Wednesday

February 14



Part 4



"And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the

THE REWARDS afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy

OF GIVING darkness be as the noon day: and the Lord shall guide thee

continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy

bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a

spring of water, whose waters fail not" (Isa. 58:10, 11).

Peter asked: "Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed

thee; what shall we have therefore?" (Matt. 19:27).

What was Jesus' response to Peter's question regarding a

reward for having made sacrifices? Matt. 19:28-30.

There were times when Jesus did not answer the questions of

His disciples. For instance, when they asked about the time of

the restoration of the kingdom to Israel, Jesus said that it was

not for them to know. (See Acts 1:6, 7.) But when they asked

about the results of doing right, Jesus did not hesitate to tell

them that sacrifice will be rewarded.

From what Jesus said in Matthew 6:31, 32, what did He

regard as an important cause of human anxiety?

There is a sense of security in a large bank balance. But the

parable of the rich fool shows that this is a false security. (See

Luke 12:16-20.) There is only one place where treasure is se-

cure, and that is in heaven. (See verse 33.)

What was a rich young ruler asked to do with his personal

property? Matt. 19:21.

Without knowing it, the rich young ruler had an idol in his

heart. He wanted the privileges of heaven, but he also wanted to

cling to his earthly treasures. He thought he was good because

he kept the commandments. But the fact was that in his selfish-

ness he was a transgressor of the law. It is impossible to serve

God and mammon. (See Luke 16:13.)



THINK IT THROUGH



If it is difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom, why does

God bless some people with wealth?

"The ruler's possessions were entrusted to him that he might

prove himself a faithful steward; he was to dispense these

goods for the blessing of those in need. So God now entrusts

men with means, with talents and opportunities, that they may

be His agents in helping the poor and the suffering. He who uses

his entrusted gifts as God designs becomes a co-worker with

the Saviour. He wins souls to Christ, because he is a representa-

tive of Hi6 character."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 523.



FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"The Reward of Grace," pp. 390-396.

The Grace of Giving

LESSON 7



❑

Thursday

February 15



Part 5



"If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to

THE MEASURE that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not" (2 Cor.



OF A GIFT



8:12).

God does not measure a gift by monetary value. If He did, the

poor would feel left out. If you had it in your power to give, would

you give? That is the question.

On what basis was the offering of two mites considered of

great value? Mark 12:44.

Giving can show a dependence upon God, or it can glorify self.

When people give what is left over, they are indicating that God

is last in their priorities. When we place God first in our lives,

then everything else that we need will be supplied.

What promise do we have that God can and will supply all

our needs? Phil. 4:19.

Giving is always an act of faith. It is saying, "0 Lord, I could

make use of this money, but I can see that there is a great need,

and I am willing to help. Thank You for giving me the grace to

give. I know You will always abundantly supply my needs. You

are really good to me. Once again, Thank You."

What is the measure by which we decide the extent of our

giving? 1 Cor. 16:2.

"As God hath prospered." If we get nothing, we give nothing!

Is this a fair enough arrangement? God does not expect the

unreasonable, nor does He intend that we should lack any good

thing. When we recognize that God has been good to us, then

we find it a privilege, not only to turn in our tithes, but also to

turn in a generous offering for all the needy causes around us. In

fact God has promised that He will always give us enough so

that we can be generous in our giving. Here is the pertinent text:

"Now he who provides seed for sowing and bread for food will

provide the seed for you to sow; he will multiply it and swell the

harvest of your benevolence, and you will always be rich

enough to be generous" (2 Cor. 9:10, 11, NEB).



THINK IT THROUGH



If God does not really need our gifts, why does He ask us to

give?

"When Christ's followers give back to the Lord His own, they

are accumulating treasure which will be given to them when

they shall hear the words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant;

. . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.'

"—The Desire of Ages,

p. 523.



FURTHER STUDY



The Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 341-345.

The Grace of Giving

LESSON 7



❑

Friday

February 16

Part 6



"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let

THE CHEERFUL him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a

GIVER



cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7).

The way a gift is made determines the way it can be received.

God does not accept a gift made reluctantly. To give cheerfully

is to enjoy giving. This takes the grace of God in the heart.

THINK IT THROUGH

What did Jesus say was the basis of giving freely? Matt.

10:8.

"Easy come; easy go" is one way that people handle money.

But that is not the meaning of this verse, nor the way the

Christian recognizes his stewardship. The Christian is very

much concerned that his money be given to worthy causes. He

is not extravagant with his money. But once he recognizes a

need, and he knows that God has blessed him with all that he

has, he gladly opens up his purse and places in the offering

plate that which represents a desire that good may come, in a

spirit of gratitude that God has been good to him.

What does Matthew 5:23, 24 teach us about giving and our

relationship with other people?

We do not buy our way into the kingdom by our gifts. Our

giving is part of a religious experience in which we perform our

duty only after we know that we hold no grudge against anyone

and no one has a grudge against us. To be right with God means

that we are right also with our fellowmen.

What statement of Jesus, not referred to in the Gospels, was

quoted by Paul? Acts 20:35.

Luke tells us that Jesus suggested that those who invite

people to dinner ought to invite the poor, rather than relatives or

the rich. In this way hospitality can be given without thought of

returned favor. To give with the thought of return is not to give in

the true sense of the term.

In what sense is it true that "happiness lies more in giving

than in receiving"? Does receiving make one feel inferior?

obligated? Does giving make one feel superior? condescend-

ing?

"In the days of Israel the tithe and freewill offerings were

needed to maintain the ordinances of divine service. Should the

people of God give less in this age? The principle laid down by

Christ is that our offerings to God should be in proportion to the

light and privileges enjoyed."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

p. 528.

FURTHER STUDY



Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 525-529.

LESSON 8 February 18-24

Obli

titans in the Home

"I bow my knees unto the Father of

our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the

whole family in heaven and earth is

named" (Eph. 3:14, 15).

The Greek text translated "whole

family" in the KJV is literally "every

family." There seems to be a play on

the Greek words for "father" and

"family"

(pater, patria). "Patria

is used

for any social group descended from a

common ancestor and the one

ancestor common to human beings

and angels is God, the supreme

Father."—Eph. 3:15 note, Jerusalem

Bible. This text tells us that every

family unit is related to that larger

family of which God is the Father.

In our lesson this week we look at

the family as a very important unit in

society. It is composed of individuals

who interrelate, and upon the proper

interrelation of the parts of the family

the health of the family depends.

Furthermore, as each unit is

successful, so society at large is

benefited, and eventually the whole

family of God in heaven and on earth is

united in blessedness.

God laid the basis for the family

when He created male and female,

and told Adam and Eve to be fruitful

and multiply. It is important to note

that our first parents were created in

the image of God, so that their

relationship is to reflect the being of

God. Husband and wife and children

are to work harmoniously together in

love to God's honor and glory.

Sin has marred the image of God in

man, but the purpose of redemption is

to restore that image. Even in our

sinful condition, we are to strive to

accomplish God's plans and

purposes.

In what ways are partners in a

marriage one? Is marriage for keeps?

These are questions that we must

study this week. What about the

children? Should one have large

families or small? How does God look

upon the children? These are

questions that require biblical answers

so that we may be sure how the various

persons in the family can value, and

interrelate to, one another. One of

life's greatest blessings is a family in

which parents and children cooperate

to fulfill their obligations to one

another and to God.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

Male and Female

(Gen. 1:27)

Choosin a Partner

(Gen. 2:22)

Marriage for Keeps

(Mark 10:9)

When Children Come

(Ps. 127:3)

The Worth of a Child

(Matt. 18:6)

Unity in the Family

(Prov. 31:10, 11, 28).

D. TANK

Obligations in the Home

LESSON 8



❑

Sunday

February 18

Part 1

MALE AND

FEMALE

THINK IT THROUGH

What characteristics of God and man do we find in the

creation of Adam and Eve?

"So God created man in his own Image, in the image of God

created he him; male and female created he them" (Gen.

1:27).

The creation of Adam and Eve has much to tell us regarding

God on the one hand and man on the other.

Why did God create people? Isa. 43:7.

When God created man it was to be his privilege to reflect

God's image in all his relationships of life. We have seen the

tragedy that takes place when man rejects God and decides to

go his own way. But the lesson of Scripture is that man has the

opportunity of accepting a full and free salvation whereby he

can live to the honor and glory of God.

What is the significance of male and female In the creation

of man? Gen. 1:27, 28; 2:20; 3:20.

It is significant that generic man is basically two persons; a

man and a woman. They can anticipate each other's needs,

cooperate in pursuing certain objectives, and share the joys of

achievement and communion. Man and woman together com-

plement each other, and in the ideal always work together to

achieve common goals. Neither one dominates the other or

makes claims from the other that are unreasonable.

This relationship of two persons, each having an individual

personality and experience, coming together to share their lives

in unity and harmony and love, is a part of the image of God that

needs to be reflected in a Christian home.

How did Adam express the closeness of the relationship

between himself and Eve? Gen. 2:23.

The Bible emphasizes a close relationship between husband

and wife which transcends sex.

How does the relationship between the members of the

family reflect the image of God? Does the concept of the

Trinity give us any clue?

"As the coin bears the image and superscription of the reign-

ing power, so man at his creation bore the image and

superscription of God; and though now marred and dim

through the influence of sin, the traces of this inscription re-

main upon every soul. God desires to recover that soul and to

retrace upon it His own image in righteousness and

holiness."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

p. 194._



Obligations in



the Home

LESSON 8



❑

Monday

February 19



Part 2



How did God proceed to provide Adam with a suitable part-

CHOOSING ner in life?

A PARTNER

"And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made

he a woman, and brought her unto the man" (Gen. 2:22).

Read verses 20-24.

The following aspects of the Bible story should be noted:

Adam had a need for a partner. He had just concluded

giving names to the creatures that God had created. But not one

of them could stand by Adam's side as an equal.

Eve was a special creation from Adam, so that Adam could

say: "bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh."

God provided the one who was to be Adam's partner, one

who was to be suitable in every respect.

Adam and Eve became one flesh in marriage. They set up a

family unit that in future generations was to be separate from

that of father and mother.

The biological relationship is only one aspect of the family

unit. In the family of man we have two independent people

corning together to live a life of one complementing the other,

neither losing his personality in the other, neither dominating

the other, but both working together in harmony and love to

achieve the purpose of bringing glory to God in their fellowship.

How does one find a partner In life? What example Is given

by Abraham In the choice of a wife for Isaac? Genesis 24.

Customs vary from country to country, but certain principles

are clear:

God's counsel and guidance should be sought before a

decision is made.

A marriage always involves the other members of the family

so that they should be consulted.

The couple must be united on religious principles.

The couple should be mature enough, and responsible

enough, so that the decision to marry is not based on sentiment

alone, but on a recognition of all that marriage involves and a

willingness to meet all of life's responsibilities.



THINK IT THROUGH



Why is marriage not purely a personal matter? How can one

who Is not married find fulfillment In life? (See 1 Cor. 7:8.)

"The grace of Christ, and this alone, can make this institution

[marriage] what God designed it should be—an agent for the

blessing and uplifting of humanity. And thus the families of

earth, in their unity and peace and love, may represent the

family of

heaven."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

p. 65.



FURTHER STUDY



Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 171-176.

Obligations in the Home

LESSON 8



❑

Tuesday

February 20

Part 3

MARRIAGE

FOR KEEPS

What did Jesus teach about the sanctity of marriage?

"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put

asunder" (Mark 10:9).

Jesus Himself instituted marriage in'Eden. When He was on

earth He attended a marriage feast at Cana, thus placing His

approval on marriage, although He Himself did not marry.

But human nature being what it is, marriages have often

broken up. In the time of Moses, provision was made for di-

vorce. (See Deut. 24:1.) But Jesus pointed out that it is not God's

plan that men and women should marry and divorce. (See Mark

10:5.) Marriage is for keeps!

What was the experience of Hosea that shows that serious

difficulties can arise in a marriage? Hosea 1:2, 3; 3:1-3.

Hosea in his relationship with his wife was experiencing the

heartaches and longings of God Himself toward His people.

God loves His people and wants to be married to them. Yet when

they turn to false gods and accept false doctrines, they are

committing adultery. God desires a relationship of constancy,

and if that relationship is broken, He desires that His people

return to Him in repentance, and He promises that He will not

turn anyone away. (See Hosea 2:19, 20.)

The wise man says, "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good

thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord" (Prov. 18:22). Marriage

is an experience that brings joy and fulfillment, and when it is

pursued with the blessing of God, it results in a broader concept

of the meaning of life. This is not to say that there are no

problems, adjustments, or sacrifices. On the contrary, one has

to work hard at a marriage to make it successful. There must be

give and take on both sides if the relationship is to persist. The

devil doubtless seeks to ruin a marriage, but we must not give

him the opportunity. (See Eph. 4:27.) The secret of success in

this is found in James 4:7. "Be submissive then to God. Stand up

to the devil and he will turn and run. Come close to God, and he

will come close to you" (NEB).



THINK IT THROUGH



Why did Jesus insist on the indissolubility of marriage?

"Among the Jews a man was permitted to put away his wife

for the most trivial offenses, and the woman was then at liberty

to marry again. This practice led to great wretchedness and sin.

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus declared plainly that there

could be no dissolution of the marriage tie, except for unfaith-

fulness to the marriage

vow."—Thoughts From the Mount of

Blessing,

p. 63.



FURTHER STUDY



The Ministry of Healing,

pp. 356-362.



Obligations in



the Home

LESSON 8



❑

Wednesday

February 21



Part 4



"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the

WHEN womb is his reward" (Ps. 127:3).

CHILDREN



COME



"Children

derive life and being from their parents, and yet it is

through the creative power of God that your children have life,

for God is the Life-giver. Let it be remembered that children are

not to be treated as though they were our own personal prop-

erty. Children are the heritage of the Lord, and the plan of

redemption includes their salvation as well as ours. They have

been entrusted to parents in order that they might be brought

up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, that they might be

qualified to do their work in time and eternity."—The

Adventist

Home,

p. 280.

What did Jacob recognize in the matter of procreation? Gen.

30:1, 2.

Jacob thought he had some understanding of genetics. (See

Gen. 30:37-42.) But the true explanation is given in Genesis

31:10, 12. He recognized that God was in control, and we cannot

live meaningfully without taking this factor into consideration.

This is not to say that God often interferes with genetic or

biological processes. Man is a free moral agent, and doubtless

God has often permitted him to do things so that he can see the

results. We need only to point up the fact that not everything in

this life is the result of earthly cause and effect. God in His mercy

can withhold the effects of sin, and in His love He can abun-

dantly bless. To have children is a blessing, but not to have them

may also be a blessing in disguise. And parents need to look to

God at all times in supplication and thanksgiving.

Children are a joy and a sacred responsibility, objects of love

and attention. They are individuals who will one day stand on

their own.



THINK IT THROUGH



To what extent are parents responsible for the number of

children they have?

"Those professing to be Christians should not enter the mar-

riage relation until the matter has been carefully and prayerfully

considered from an elevated standpoint to see if God can be

glorified by the union. Then they should duly consider the result

of every privilege of the marriage relation, and sanctified princi-

ple should be the basis of every action. Before increasing their

family, they should take into consideration whether God would

be glorified or dishonored by bringing children into the world.

. .. They have no right to bring children into the world to be a

burden to others."—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 380.



FURTHER STUDY



The Adventist Home,

pp. 159-161.

Obligations in the Home

LESSON 8



❑

Thursday

February 22

Part 5

THE WORTH

OF A CHILD

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

"Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in

me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about

his neck, and that he were drowned In the depth of the sea"

(Matt. 18:6).

Jesus had a high regard for children, higher than the disciples

had.

When mothers brought their children to Jesus to be blessed

of Him, what did the disciples try to do? Matt. 19:13-15.

Sometimes adults think their work is so important that they

have no time for the children. And it is true that their work is very

important. But so are the children. Children need to learn of

Jesus, and parents must never be so busy that they cannot de-

vote adequate time to teach their children about Him.

What reason did Jesus give why we should not despise

children? Matt. 18:10.

God has a special care for those who are weak; His angels are

ready to serve in every need. Seeing this is the case, we should

be careful lest we despise anyone who has not reached our

standards. It is not for us to despise anyone, but to cooperate

with the heavenly angels for the salvation of everyone.

What necessary characteristic did Jesus say His followers

must possess in order to enter the kingdom of heaven? Matt.

18:3-5.

It is amazing sometimes how much we can learn from little

children. They have insights that are well worth considering.

Furthermore, they rarely put on airs. They have a faith and trust

in God and in their parents that is exemplary to older people

who soon become sophisticated, hypocritical, and proud. Jesus

would have us emulate children in humility and implicit confi-

dence in God's love and care. Only in this way can we hope to

enter into the kingdom.

What lessons have you learned from children that are of

value to you? In what ways do we fail to give children the care

and attention they need?

"The children and youth are Christ's purchased possession;

He has bought them with an infinite price. Jesus loves the little

ones. . . . And Jesus bids the angels to take special charge of

these inexperienced souls, in their homes, in their school life,

and in the Sabbath

school."—Counsels on Sabbath School

Work,

pp. 158, 159.

The Ministry of Healing,

pp. 388-394.



Obligations in



the Home

LESSON 8



❑

Friday

February 23



Part 6



"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above

UNITY IN rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her."



THE FAMILY



"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband

also, and he praiseth her" (Prov. 31:10, 11, 28).

THINK IT THROUGH

Proverbs 31 praises the wife. Is it not true that most things in

the home revolve around the mother?

What duties of the wife mentioned in Proverbs 31 do you

think are most important?

If the family is to be united it must be organized. It must be

known who is responsible for what. Each member of the family

must do his or her duty. No one should usurp the place of the

other. There must be a recognition that there is a head of the

house. Each must realize that no one is perfect, and so everyone

must be forgiving and understanding and willing to do whatever

is necessary for the smooth running of the home. Furthermore,

God must be recognized as the real head of the household. He

must be worshiped and His commandments obeyed. A chil-

dren's song says: "With Jesus in the family, happy, happy

home!" How true this is!

Unity, order, and discipline in the home are essential to gen-

eral well-being. There needs to be respect for one another. All

should know what is right and by God's grace seek to do it.

When someone fails, he must be prepared to acknowledge his

fault and seek to do better. Everyone should use tact and learn

to be gracious in approaching another. The parents should set

the example. They should gather the family when matters of

importance to the home need to be discussed. Thus all may

participate in establishing rules and methods of procedure. All

must work in harmony.

Such a family is not produced in a day! It takes diligent effort

and much prayer. It takes patience and self-control. But such a

family can be a light in the neighborhood. In fact, their witness

may be the strongest argument for Christianity, a more powerful

force for good than all the sermons preached and literature

distributed.

What do you think are some important factors for producing

unity in the family? What principles apply to every family?

Give examples of practices that may not be suitable to some

families?

"The restoration and uplifting of humanity begins in the

home. The work of parents underlies every other. . . . The

well-being of society, the success of the church, the prosperity

of the nation, depend upon home influences."—The

Ministry of

Healing,

p. 349.

FURTHER STUDY



The Adventist Home,

pp. 177-180.

LESSON 9 February 25 to March 3

Responsibilities

of Trainin

"The Lord said, Shall I hide from

Abraham that thing which I do; seeing

that Abraham shall surely become a

great and mighty nation, and all the

nations of the earth shall be blessed in

him? For I know him, that he will

command his children and his

household after him, and they shall

keep the way of the Lord, to do justice

and judgment; that the Lord may bring

upon Abraham that which he hath

spoken of him" (Gen. 18:17-19).

It is significant to note that when

God was dealing with Abraham, He

had at the back of His mind—to speak

in a human way—the concept that

Abraham would pass on to his children

the heritage of doing what is right and

just. Communion with God, and

understanding of God's revelation, is

not something that we keep to

ourselves; it is something that we

must pass on to our children.

We have already learned that

children are a heritage from the Lord;

they are a blessing and a responsibility

to us as parents. We stand in the place

of God to them. When we teach them

to love, trust, and obey us, we are

teaching them to love, trust, and obey

God. We help to mold their characters

by precept and example. Our desire is

that they may grow up to know, love,

and serve God. We want them to be

with us in God's eternal kingdom.

In our lesson this week we look at

our responsibility to train the young

people and prepare them for the

opportunities and challenges of life.

We note that God gave strict

commandment to His people that they

were to be diligent in teaching their

children His laws. (See Deut. 6:6, 7.)

We are to recognize that in the world

we are surrounded by temptations,

and the law of God is to be a hedge to

keep us from danger. The word of the

Lord hidden in the heart will keep a

person from sinning. (See Ps. 119:11.)

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

The Command to Teach

(Deut. 6:7)

Content of Teaching

(John 17:3)

Need of Discipline

(Prov. 22:6)

Goals of Education

(Col. 2:8)

Knowledge and Action

(John 13:17)

Purpose of Schools

(2 Cor. 6:14-16)

JOAN WALTER

Responsibilities of Training

LESSON 9



❑

Sunday

February 25

Part 1



"Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and

THE COMMAND shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when

TO TEACH thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when

thou risest up" (Deut. 6:7).

God through Moses gave implicit directions to the children of

Israel that they were to teach their children the laws that had

been handed down to them. They were to do that at all times, in

all places, in every way possible. If the children of Israel were to

fail in anything, they were not to fail in passing on to every

generation the religious precepts that they had received.

Why was God so particular about having parents teach their

children? Deut 6:3.

God's promises of health and prosperity were dependent on

the people keeping and obeying the commandments. The

commandments had been given in the first instance with the

welfare of the people in mind. In order that they would never

forget the laws, they were told to bind them on the hand, place

them on the forehead, and write them on the doorposts of their

houses (verses 8, 9). But more importantly, they were to have

them in their hearts (verse 6).

What instruction was given to Peter regarding the lambs of

the flock? John 21:15-17.

The Bible writers often used the figure of speech of a

shepherd caring for his sheep. Jesus Himself is the Good

Shepherd. (See Psalm 23; John 10:11.) Jesus used this figure

when He commissioned Peter to do the work of an under-

shepherd. He told him to care for the lambs and the sheep. This

charge to Peter points out to the church today their responsibil-

ity to provide the necessary teachers and facilities for the chil-

dren to learn about Jesus and the plan of salvation.

It is to be expected that children will ask their parents why

they do this and that and the other. Parents need to have a ready

answer, telling of their experiences and pointing the children to

the Word of God. (Read Deut. 6:20-25.)

"God had commanded the Hebrews to teach their children

His requirements and to make them acquainted with all His

dealings with their fathers. This was one of the special duties of

every parent—one that was not to be delegated to another....

"Further provision was made for the instruction of the young,

by the establishment of the schools of the prophets."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 592, 593.

FURTHER STUDY



Education,

pp. 185-188.

Responsibilities of Training

LESSON 9



❑

Monday

February 26

Part 2

CONTENT OF

TEACHING

"This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true

God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3).

There is no higher education than that which teaches about

God. We need to know who He is, what He has done, and what

He requires of man.

How may all the law and the prophets be summarized? Matt.

22:37-40.

The controversy of the ages has been about the character of

God. People often hate God when they do not know Him. To

know God as He really is, to know what He has done for us and

does for us every day, is to love Him. The most important teach-

ing that any parent can give his child is a knowledge of God and

His great love.

What are the main sources of knowledge about God? Ps.

19:1; 46:10; 2 Tim. 3:15.

Although nature suffers the blight of sin, there is still much

that reveals the greatness and the glory of God. (See Rom. 1:20.)

Just to be still and meditate upon life and its many implications

can reveal to one that there is a God. Experience is another

teacher; a man can have an inner conviction that God loves him

and provides for him. But of course the outstanding source of a

knowledge of God is in His Word, where we learn about His

character and His dealings with men through the centuries. The

Word of God is a light that illuminates the pathway of life and

enables us to understand many things that would otherwise be

incomprehensible. (See Ps. 119:105.)

Where do we find the supreme revelation of God? John 14:9.

When Jesus is lifted up, all men are drawn to Him. (See John

12:32.) We need to learn about Him every day. We need to reveal

Him to others. To the young people He must be presented as

their Saviour and Friend.

"The science of redemption is the science of all sciences; the

science that is the study of the angels and of all the intelligences

of the unfallen worlds.... This is the highest study in which it is

possible for man to engage. As no other study can, it will

quicken the mind and uplift the

soul."—Education,

p. 126.



THINK IT THROUGH



Parents try to give their children the best gifts. What do you

think is the best gift that parents can give to their children?

"The Bible should be made the foundation of study and of

teaching."—The

Ministry of Healing,

p. 401.



FURTHER STUDY



Counsels to Teachers,

pp. 19-24.

Responsibilities of Training

LESSON 9



❑

Tuesday

February 27

Part 3

NEED OF

DISCIPLINE

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY,

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he Is old,

he will not depart from It" (Prov. 22:6).

There are some who believe that children should grow up

naturally; that to direct and restrain is to frustrate and cause

problems for the future. The Bible does not teach this

philosophy. On the contrary, the Bible teaches that children are

like plants (Ps. 128:3). Plants need protection and pruning if

they are to grow up satisfactorily and produce fruit.

What lesson can we learn from the story of Eli and his

family? 1 Sam. 3:12, 13.

As the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined. Human nature

being what it is, there is always need of correction. Children

inherit from their parents characteristics that need to be re-

strained in some instances and encouraged in others. But a

child without guidance is like a garden without care, a disgrace

to itself and an eyesore to the community.

What points does the wise man make about the occasional

use of physical punishment? Prov. 13:24; 23:13; 29:15.

Children soon know whether punishment is due to loving

care or the anger of the parent. Children respond to justice, but

they grow resentful when parents are unfair. "Be so calm, so

free from anger, that they will be convinced that you love them,

even though you punish them."—Child

Guidance,

p. 249.

What are fathers counseled not to do to their children? Col.

3:21.

Training needs to be tempered with understanding. The

needs of each child demand special consideration. What suits

one may not suit another. Discipline may not be easy or pleasant

to administer, but properly done it results in happy conse-

quences. (See Heb. 12:11.)

Note that Jesus was subject to His parents as He grew in wis-

dom and stature. (See Luke 2:51, 52.) He also learned obedience

by the things that He suffered. (See Heb. 5:8.)

To what extent, if at all, can the discipline of a child be

delegated to someone else? Is there a time when parents

cease to train and the teacher takes over?

"It is the work of parents and teachers, in the education of the

youth, to co-operate with the divine purpose; and in so doing

they are 'laborers together with God.' 1 Corinthians 3:9."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 595.

Child Guidance,

pp. 244-250.

Responsibilities of Training

LESSON 9



❑

Wednesday

February 28



Part 4



"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and

GOALS OF vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of



EDUCATION



the world, and not after Christ" (Col. 2:8).

The highest goal in education is perfection in Christ Jesus. As

a result of sin man has many weaknesses and shortcomings. He

may overcome these by God's grace and attain the destiny for

which God originally created him.

What high ideal does Paul set before us in Ephesians 4:13?

Christ set the pattern of true manhood. In word and deed and

dedication to ministry He set us a perfect example. He has

provided the power by which man can reach that ideal.

What did Jesus encourage His disciples to do? Matt. 4:19.

THINK IT THROUGH

Everyone needs a type of work to do, a means of earning a

livelihood. But there is more to life than earning a living; there is

a goal to reach which far transcends anything this world can

offer. In every type of occupation a man must ask himself

whether he is also meeting the demands that God has upon him.

Here is where he must be sure that his education prepares him

not only for the present life but also for the life to come.

What does Paul call the wisdom that is of this world? 1 Cor.

3:19.

The Christian must be careful that he is not deceived by the

so-called wisdom of this world. For him "the fear of the Lord is

the beginning of wisdom" (Ps. 111:10). He studies the Word of

God because he knows he needs to be "wise unto salvation"

(2 Tim. 3:15). He knows he has to avoid the mistake the Jews

made of placing the tradition of men above the Word of God.

(See Matt. 15:9.) He remembers that the Israelites failed again

and again because they associated so closely with their heathen

neighbors. The Israelites adopted heathen modes of dress and

worship. Thus they failed to accomplish the purpose that God

had for them to be a distinct people who portray God's loving

care and blessing. God's remnant people must not repeat those

mistakes. They must be true to the principles that God has

outlined for their lives.

Why is It necessary for Seventh-day Adventists to have their

own system of education? Is Christian education an option, or

is it a necessity?

"Teaching your students to be Christians is the greatest work

before

you."—Testimonies,

vol. 5, p. 590.

FURTHER STUDY



Education,

pp. 13-16.

Responsibilities of Training

LESSON 9



❑

Thursday

March 1

Part 5



"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" (John

KNOWLEDGE 13:17).

AND ACTION

There is a close correlation between truth and action. The one

who knows the truth lives differently from the one who does not

know it. More important than intellectual assent is a practical

application of the truth to the life.

What did Jesus teach about action in Matthew 21:28-31?

What shows that a claim to know God is a true claim? 1 John

2:4, 5.

When we really know God we respond to Him in love and keep

His commandments. Can you imagine anyone saying to a

friend, "I love you," and then not doing anything for the friend?

True knowledge of a person will lead us to come close to him or

to keep him at a distance, depending on what kind of person he

is. When we know the laws of health and welfare, we should

keep them in order to enjoy the blessings that they bring. It is

utter foolishness not to do what we know to be right, and to do

those things that will result in injury.

From where did Daniel and his friends receive their knowl-

edge? Dan. 1:17.

God is the Source of all knowledge, and He will impart this to

those who diligently seek Him. Paul says that knowledge makes

a man proud. (See 1 Cor. 8:1.) But then again people can be

destroyed by lack of knowledge. (See Hosea 4:6.) Paul was a

learned man, but he counted all things as garbage compared to

the knowledge of Christ he wished to have. (See Phil. 3:8, NEB,

TEV, Phillips.)

There are aspects of knowledge that we do not need. Adam

and Eve fell through seeking a knowledge of sin. We do not

need to experience some things in life in order to know them.

We may know what they cause in the lives of others and thus

know to keep away from them. The Christian will want to learn

the knowledge that upbuilds.

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

Why does forbidden knowledge often seem more attractive

than the truth?

"We have a work to do to resist temptation. Those who would

not fall a prey to Satan's devices must guard well the avenues of

the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which

will suggest impure thoughts. The mind should not be left to

wander at random upon every subject that the adversary of

souls may

suggest."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 460.

Education,

pp. 17-19.

Responsibilities of Training

LESSON 9



❑

Friday

March 2



Part 6



"Do not harness yourselves in an uneven team with unbe-



PURPOSE



lievers. Virtue is no companion for crime. Light and darkness



OF SCHOOLS



have nothing in common. Christ is not the ally of Beliar, nor

has a believer anything to share with an unbeliever. The tem-

ple of God has no common ground with idols, and that is what

we are—the temple of the living God" (2 Cor. 6:14-16,

Jerusalem).

"The followers of Christ are to separate themselves from

sinners, choosing their society only when there is opportunity

to do them good. We cannot be too decided in shunning the

company of those who exert an influence to draw us away from

God."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 459.

The

first school on earth had the very best location, the finest

teacher, the most relevant course of study, and two diligent stu-

dents. Ellen White says: "The system of education instituted at

the beginning of the world was to be a model for man through-

out all aftertime. As an illustration of its principles a model

school was established in Eden, the home of our first parents.

The Garden of Eden was the schoolroom, nature was the lesson

book, the Creator Himself was the instructor, and the parents of

the human family were the

students."—Education,

p. 20.

What elements of 2 Kings 2:3-5 and 6:1-7 suggest a school?

The schools of the prophets were to "serve as a barrier

against the widespread corruption, to provide for the moral and

spiritual welfare of the youth, and to promote the future pros-

perity of the nation by furnishing it with men qualified to act in

the fear of God as leaders and counselors."—Patriarchs

and

Prophets,

p. 593.

The students are described as "pious, intelligent, and studi-

ous." The subjects taught were the law of God, sacred history,

sacred music, and poetry. The students met their expenses by

learning and practicing a trade. This plan is still a valid one to

follow in our schools today. There is need for Christian schools

today to serve as a refuge where young people can learn how

best they can serve God and their fellowmen.



THINK IT THROUGH



How does a Christian school differ from other schools? Do

our schools provide that kind of an education?

"True education does not ignore the value of scientific knowl-

edge or literary acquirements; but above information it values

power; above power, goodness; above intellectual acquire-

ments, character. The world does not so much need men of

great intellect as of noble character. It needs men in whom

ability is controlled by steadfast principle."—Education, p.225.

FURTHER STUDY



Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 592-602.

LESSON 10 March 4-10

0- 0



FaitatialleEl



Marorup

"The Lord is in his holy temple, the

Lord's throne is in heaven: his eyes

behold, his eyelids try, the children of

men" (Ps. 11:4).

It is astonishing that the Lord of the

universe consents to meet with His

people in a p'ace that they prepare for

Him. God never forces Himself upon

man. He reveals Himself; He

communicates; He reaches out

through various ways to touch man.

But if man refuses to be reached or to

communicate, if man refuses to accept

the revelation of God made available

to him, then God can only leave him to

his own devices, and he will have only

himself to blame if he reaps the

consequences.

In our lesson this week we see how

God is worthy of worship, but this

worship needs to be worthy of God.

God is the Creator. A worship that is

formal and external is not worthy of

the God of the universe. Only

sincerity and truth will do.

This God of the universe is

everywhere, and therefore He can be

worshiped everywhere. The attempt

to limit Him to any one location is to

misunderstand His nature and to make

His worship difficult.

This is not to say that God has not

chosen places where He can be

approached. He wants to be among

His people. Therefore the sanctuary

must be accessible to believers. It is

remarkable, however, that when God

asked for a sanctuary to be built He

provided the pattern and the skills;

man was only to give a freewill

offering, a sign that he wants the

presence of God.

Sometimes men do not recognize

their need to place God first in their

lives. They build houses for

themselves but do not erect a house

for the worship of God. When this

happens, they suffer the

consequences; for prosperity comes

only with the blessing of God, and

blessings are related to man's

fulfillment of his obligations to God.

The house of God is basically a

house of prayer. There may be

meaningful ritual and ceremony, but

never is the service to degenerate into

a business transaction. The temple is

the place where all may come, rich or

poor, Jew or Gentile, saint or sinner,

and each one finds the fulfillment of

his needs. There is to be reverence

and great joy in the presence of the

Lord.

Finally, we note that the temple of

God is as close as our hearts. Just as we

dedicate a structure to God, so we are

to dedicate our hearts and our lives.

Then one day the dream of the ages

will be fulfilled when "the tabernacle

of God is with men" (Rev. 21:3).

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

True Worship

(Ps. 95:1-3)

Places of Worship

(Ps. 139:7, 8)

Building a Sanctuary

(Ex. 25:8)

The House of God

(Haggai 1:4)

A House of Prayer

(Isa. 56:7)

The Heart Temple

(1 Cor. 3:16, 17)

JOAN WALTER

Facilities for Worship

LESSON 10



❑

Sunday

March 4



Part 1



"0 come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise

TRUE to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence

WORSHIP with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with

psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all

gods" (Ps. 95:1-3).

There is only one who is worthy of worship and praise, and

that is our God. Jesus made that clear to Satan when the latter

asked for worship. (See Matt. 4:10.)

Furthermore, the place of worship is not of paramount impor-

tance. Some people try to pinpoint a particular spot as holy, but

Jesus said to the woman of Samaria that the main thing is to

worship in spirit and in truth. (See John 4:20-24.)

Why is It essential that people should worship in spirit and in

truth? John 4:24.

God is not limited to any one place since He is everywhere.

Wherever His children are, there He can be. If it were true that

the worshiper could meet God only in one place, then a hard-

ship would be imposed on those who could not go there for one

reason or another. Since God is readily accessible in every

place, there is no excuse for anyone not to worship.

What do you understand by the expression "In spirit and in

truth"?

The result of merely formal worship is that the needs of the

worshipers are not met and they go elsewhere to satisfy them.

True worship comes from the heart, and the worshiper has a

sense of reality and meaningfulness.

True worship involves communion, in which there is a recog-

nition of the presence of God, and a desire on the part of the

worshiper to render homage to God.

Whom does the angel flying in the midst of heaven say we

ought to worship? Rev. 14:7.

Only the One who is the Creator of the universe is worthy of

worship.



THINK IT THROUGH



How can the Seventh-day Adventist worshiper avoid mak-

ing worship a mere round of ceremonies?

"The religion that comes from God is the only religion that will

lead to God. In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the

divine Spirit. This will purify the heart and renew the mind,

giving us a new capacity for knowing and loving God."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 189.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 188, 189.

Facilities for Worship

LESSON 10



❑

Monday

March 5



Part 2



"Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee

PLACES OF from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there:

WORSHIP if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there" (Ps. 139:7, 8).

The psalmist strikingly indicates that God is everywhere; he

pictures himself trying to flee from Him, and he mentions a

number of places which may be considered out of reach; but, lo,

God is there!

What did Jesus teach the woman of Samaria about the

location of worship? John 4:20, 21.

There is a human tendency to think that one place is more

sacred than another. It is not the place that is sacred, but the

presence of God that makes the place sacred. Thus Sinai was a

holy mount so long as God was there, and the children of Israel

were to approach it with reverence and fear. (See Ex. 19:10-13.)

Today Mount Sinai is like any other mountain.

Where did Jacob recognize the presence of God? Gen.

28:11-17.

Jacob was running away for his life. He knew he had done

wrong in deceiving his father, and he knew he could expect

nothing but death from his brother. Would God forgive him?

Would God even consider him? He lay down in discourage-

ment; but the next morning he awoke with the assurance that

God had not forsaken him; He was by his side, still ready to

communicate with him and bless him. He set up an altar and

made a vow that he would always serve God. In some places we

can say that people are only a telephone call away! With God we

can say that He is only a prayer away.

In the history of the early church, where did the believers

meet for worship? Acts 2:46, 47; Rom. 16:5.

There were no church buildings for the early believers. They

met wherever it was most convenient—usually in a home. This

was a personal fellowship. It tied the members together in

bonds of love.



THINK IT THROUGH



How can one make the services in a large church personal?

How far does a building help or hinder the spirit of worship?

"In all that pertains to the success of God's work, the very first

victories are to be won in the home life. Here the preparation for

the Sabbath must begin. . . . Train for Him the little church in

your home, that on the Sabbath all may be prepared to worship

in the Lord's sanctuary."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 354.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

vol. 5, pp. 268-270.

Facilities for Worship

LESSON 10



❑

Tuesday

March 6

Part 3

BUILDING A

SANCTUARY

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

"Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among

them" (Ex. 25:8).

Although God meets with His people anywhere, a particular

place for worship is what He desires and expects. At first the

altar was the center of worship. (See Gen. 12:8.) Then in the

wilderness God asked the children of Israel to build a special

tent which would be the symbol of His presence.

Why did God ask for a sanctuary to be built? Ex. 25:8.

God wants to dwell with His people. How remarkable that God

desires to be in the midst of those whom He has chosen! In this

way He can guide them, protect them, and meet their every

need. There is a two-way process here; men are constantly

reminded of their obligations to God, and God in His turn makes

them a blessing to themselves and to others.

What was the source of the money and the plans for building

the sanctuary? Ex. 25:2, 9.

This was a joint venture. By giving of their means the people

showed that their hearts and minds were with the project. By

following the pattern that was presented they were ensuring

that the worship would be meaningful and acceptable. Man is

not to worship in his own way, but in God's.

God also provided the skills necessary for the making of every

part of the sanctuary. (See Ex. 31:2-6.) He was concerned about

detail, that everything be perfect. A house for worship needs

every care in the planning stage and careful attention in every

phase. Why is this the case? Is it not to indicate that the house of

God must be a true reflection of His perfection? No cheap or

shoddy work can_ be accepted. Only the best of materials can be

used so that God is honored and exalted.

It is also interesting to note that not everyone could build a

sanctuary. When David wanted to build a temple in Jeru-

salem, he was told that he was not qualified to do so. (See 2

Chron. 6:7-9.) He could gather the materials, and he did; but

another had to build. What does this tell us about the one who

leads out in building a new church? He is to be a dedicated man,

working in harmony with God's plans and purposes.

How does one choose between qUility and extravagance?

What are to be the qualities of a church building that will make

it acceptable to God?

"Wherever a company of believers is raised up, a house of

worship should be built. Let not the workers leave the place

without accomplishing

this."—Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 100.

Testimonies,

vol. 6, pp. 100-104.

Facilities for Worship

LESSON 10



0 Wednesday

March 7

Part 4

THE HOUSE

OF GOD

"Is

time for you yourselves to dwell

your paneled

houses, while this house lies.in ruins?" (Haggai 1:4, RSV).

Sometimes an unfavorable comparison can be made be-

tween the house of God and the houses we live in. We should

always do better for the house of worship than for our own

houses. This means that the style and furnishing of the house of

God will vary from community to community, but always avoid-

ing ostentation. People should respond to God in direct propor-

tion to the way they have been blessed.

Why was it that the returned exiles worked hard but never

made any economic progress? Haggai 1:5-11.

People live under God, and the way they live determines

whether God can bless them. When the children of Israel re-

turned from exile they had built houses for themselves but had

neglected to rebuild the temple. They had excused themselves

by saying that it was not time to rebuild the temple (verse 2).

Their enemies had destroyed the temple once; they might de-

stroy it again. Yet they had built houses for themselves. Through

the prophet God pointed out their inconsistency, and told them

that they must put God first in their lives. They must consider

the place of worship before their own comfort.

The book of Haggai tells what happened when the people re-

pented and began building the Lord's house. Immediately the

Lord was with them. They were not to fear, but to press on, and

God would make His house glorious (1:4-9; 2:18, 19).

What experience lets us know that God desires His people

as well as the place of worship to be glorious? Zech. 3:1-10.

God loves His people and wants the very best for them. He

reclothes His believing people with the rightousness of Jesus

and turns aside the accusations of Satan. Then God says He will

give them a place close to Himself. (See Haggai 2:23.)



THINK IT THROUGH



Why Is it so essential to build a representative house of

God?

"A striking illustration of the results of selfishly withholding

even freewill offerings from the cause of God was given in the

days of the prophet Haggai. . . .

"God intended that His people Israel should be light bearers

to all the inhabitants of the earth. In maintaining His public

worship they were bearing a testimony to the existence and

sovereignty of the living God. And this worship it was their

privilege to sustain, as an expression of their loyalty and their

love to

Him."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 527, 528.



FURTHER STUDY



Prophets and Kings,

pp. 573-578.

Facilities for Worship

LESSON 10



❑

Thursday

March 8



Part 5



"Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them

A HOUSE joyful In my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their

OF PRAYER sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house

shall be called an house of prayer for all people" (Isa. 56:7).

There is a danger that familiarity with the house of God will

breed contempt. One must ever be conscious of the presence

of God and remember that just as we act with dignity and pro-

priety before persons we respect, so before God we must act

with reverence and awe.

How did the people in the time of Jesus show lack of respect

for the temple? Matt. 21:12, 13.

The services at the temple had become a business for many

people. Worshipers who needed temple currency could ex-

change their own for that which alone was acceptable in the

treasury. There were "authorized dealers" in the temple pre-

cincts from whom worshipers could buy animals for sacrifices.

Worship in the temple could involve much sharp bargaining. It

was an expensive process. Could the poor afford to purchase

the necessary sacrifices to fulfill their obligations? Small won-

der that Jesus decided to "cleanse" the temple!

No one should be prevented from enjoying the full privileges

of worship in the house of God because of poverty. Nor should

any activity savor of worldly business and interfere with the

sanctity of the location or the spirit of the Sabbath day. The

house of God is where He meets with His people, and all ac-

tivities in it should harmonize with that purpose. It is here that

one may receive a call from God, as did Isaiah. (See Isa. 6:1-8.)

Or may plead for the answer to one's prayer, as did Hannah.

(See 1 Sam. 1:10-15.) Or serve as a doorkeeper as the psalmist

was willing to do. (See Ps. 84:10.)

How is the Lord to be worshiped in the temple? Ps. 29:2.

There is no beauty like the beauty of holiness. And there is no

place like the sanctuary where such beauty can be found. Man

cannot find rest or satisfaction except as he finds it in God.



THINK IT THROUGH



What rules would you set up for maintaining reverence In

the house of God?

"Humility and reverence should characterize the deportment

of all who come into the presence of God. In the name of Jesus

we may come before Him with confidence, but we must not

approach Him with the boldness of presumption, as though He

were on a level with ourselves."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

p. 252.



FURTHER STUDY



Prophets and Kings,

pp. 45-50.

Facilities for Worship

LESSON 10



❑

Friday

March 9



Part 6



"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the

THE HEART Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of

TEMPLE God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy,

which temple ye are" (1 Cor. 3:16, 17).

When God dwells among His people, He not only meets them

in the place of worship; He meets with them in the heart.

More than anything else the Lord desires the heart, because

out of it are the issues of life. (See Prov. 23:26; 4:23.) He can take

the heart of stone and make it a heart of flesh. (See Eze. 36:26.)

He writes His laws in the heart so that by continual surrender to

Jesus the believer keeps the commandments. (See Jer. 31:33.)

By dwelling in the heart He is in control of the life.

In view of God's offer to do so much for man, what is the

least thing a man can do? Rom. 6:13.

Man has one of two ways to choose: Either he becomes a

slave of sin and reaps the reward of sin, which is death, or he

surrenders his heart to Christ and receives the gift of eternal life.

(See verses 16, 23.)

What prayer did Paul offer for the Ephesians, and through

them, for the church as a whole? Eph. 3:17.

Because the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, we need to

give it extra care. We should not defile it with such things as the

eating of unclean meats, sexual perversion, or abuse by dis-

obeying other laws of health. It is our privilege to maintain our

bodies at the peak of their powers for use in God's service.

When John the revelator pictures the New Jerusalem com-

ing down to earth from heaven, what does the "great voice"

say? Rev. 21:3.

Sin has caused separation between man and God. It has been

the source of all our woes. All heaven is striving for God's

reunion with His people. This union and joy can begin on earth

by faith in Christ Jesus.



THINK IT THROUGH



What did Stephen mean when he said that "the most High

dwelleth not in temples made with hands" (Acts 7:48)?

"Although God dwells not in temples made with hands, yet He

honors with His presence the assemblies of His people. He has

promised that when they come together to seek Him, to ac-

knowledge their sins, and to pray for one another, He will meet

with them by His Spirit. But those who assemble to worship Him

should put away every evil thing."—Prophets

and Kings,

p. 50.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 161, 162.

LESSON 11 March 11.17

SpecaturD

Secone A

"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great

multitude, which no man could

number, of all nations, and kindreds,

and people, and tongues, stood

before the throne, and before the

Lamb, clothed with white robes, and

palms in their hands; and cried with a

loud voice, saying, Salvation to our

God which sitteth upon the throne,

and unto the Lamb' (Rev. 7:9, 10).

John had a thrilling vision of God's

people in great numbers and coming

from all parts,of the world standing

before the throne of God and the

Lamb. In the vision the second advent

of Jesus has already taken place. The

struggle with sin is over. And now they

all cry aloud ascribing salvation to the

God who has done everythin& for

them. There is great joy and rejoicing.

Can we hasten that great day? Is

there anything we can do to prevent

delay? These are questions we do well

to ask, because we need to know our

responsibilities as we live in the last

days and watch the closing scenes that

take place around us.

In our lesson this week we note the

promise that Jesus gave of His return.

The disciples did not appreciate its full

meaning at the time, but after the

ascension they knew what their task

was, and they looked forward to His

early return.

"In the days of the apostles the

Christian believers were filled with

earnestness and enthusiasm. So

untiringly did they labor for their

Master that in a comparatively short

time, notwithstanding fierce

opposition, the gospel of the kingdom

was sounded to all the inhabited parts

of the earth."—The

Acts of the

Apostles,

p. 578. Are we as efficient

today, with all of our advanced

techniques for mass communication?

If not, why not?

The third angel's message is a

message that is to go to the ends of the

earth. Who should do this work, and

how should it be done?

The signs of the end are all around

us, but the church is accused of being

lukewarm. Is there any way in which

the church can be aroused from

lethargy before it is too late?

The struggles of the last days will be

fierce ones. The devil knows his time is

short, and he does not make it easy for

the saints or anyone else. But he must

be overcome. How can this be

accomplished?

Meanwhile there is a message to be

given. Every member of the church

must give his testimony where he is.

Further, when he cannot go to the

mission field himself, he must be

prepared to help others get there.

There is no business more important

than the business of preaching the

gospel.

It is our responsibility with every

means at our disposal to hasten the

second coming of Jesus. He is waiting

for us!

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

The Promise to Return

(John 14:3)

A Task Presented

(Mark 16:15, 16)

The Final Message

(Rev. 14:6, 7)

The Church and the World

(John 17:15)

The Final Struggle

(1 Peter 5:8)

JOAN WALTER



Speeding the



Second Advent

LESSON 11



❑

Sunday

March 11



Part 1



"If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and

THE PROMISE receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be



TO RETURN



also" (John 14:3).

Before the crucifixion Jesus told the disciples that He would

be leaving them, but that He would return. They were not to be

concerned about His absence. He had a work to do, one of

preparation for them so that they could eventually be with Him.

Why were the disciples so dull of understanding, when

Jesus was so plain in His statements?

The disciples, like the rest of the Jewish nation, had their

preconceived ideas regarding the Messiah. They thought of

freedom from Roman oppression.

What words does Paul use to refer to the second coming of

Jesus? Titus 2:13.

For Paul the second coming of Jesus was an event he looked

forward to with joy. And Hebrews 10:37 shows full confidence in

the fulfillment of the promise. God's people need patience in

view of delays (see James 5:8), but their hearts should never

waver.

In view of the second coming, what should every Christian

be doing? 1 John 3:3.

Of course no one can cleanse himself of sin. But the will must

be on Christ's side of the controversy, and the believer must

cooperate with the Lord. The Christian who is establishing his

faith ever more strongly has no time for doubt or questioning.

Delay for him is a form of grace in which he has another oppor-

tunity to do what is right and fulfill God's purposes.

What does Peter say Is the reason for apparent delay in

Christ's coming? 2 Peter 3:8, 9.

This truth is a mercy and a challenge. It is a mercy for many of

us that Jesus has not come yet. But it is also a challenge to hurry

up and repent of our I u kewarmness. Why should we detain the

Saviour we are anxious to see?



THINK IT THROUGH



What are some things you would like to do before Christ

comes?

"God designs that His people shall fix their eyes heavenward,

looking for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour

Jesus

Christ."—Testimonies,

vol. 2, p. 194.



FURTHER STUDY



The Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 32-34.

Speeding the Second Advent

LESSON 11



❑

Monday

March 12



Part 2



"He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the

A TASK gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized

PRESENTED shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned"

(Mark 16:15, 16).

While Jesus is in heaven preparing a place for His people, His

disciples on earth are to be preparing to meet God.

What did Jesus say would happen before the end of the

world came? Matt. 24:14.

There is a task to be done. We speed the day of the second

advent as we accomplish the task that has been entrusted to the

church.

It is to be noted that Jesus said the gospel of the kingdom

would be preached "as a witness." There is no suggestion here

that everyone will accept the testimony given. People are free to

accept or reject. The objective is that everyone will have the

opportunity to know what issues are at stake and will be able to

make a responsible decision one way or the other.

What is the gospel commission? Matt. 28:19, 20.

The New English Bible

translates the Greek: "Go forth there-

fore and make all nations my disciples." The gospel is to be

preached with an urgency and a desire that all men should

accept the invitation. There must be no halfhearted measures,

no mere proclamation without attempt to persuade. Christian

witness with a full realization of the issues at stake, eternal life

or eternal loss. When there is love and concern for fellow human

beings, there can only be a pleading that the right decision be

made.

What authority did Jesus say He had, and what promise did

He make? Matt. 28:18, 20.

With all the authority of heaven behind us and the presence of

Jesus with us, we can go forth with confidence and do the

necessary work and that the work will be finished. Problems of

language, culture, politics, and an ever increasing population

will not stand in our way. As we cooperate with God, the task will

be accomplished.

"Christ desires by the fullness of His power so to strengthen

His people that through them the whole world shall be encircled

with an atmosphere of grace. When His people shall make a

wholehearted surrender of themselves to God, this purpose will

be accomplished."—Testimonies,

vol.

7, p. 148.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 825-828.

Speeding the Second Advent

LESSON 11



❑

Tuesday

March 13

Part 3



"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having

THE FINAL the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the

MESSAGE earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and

people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to

him; for the hour of his Judgment Is come: and worship him

that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains

of waters" (Rev. 14:6, 7).

God's final messengers to the world proclaim the everlasting

gospel. The good news of salvation was first announced to

Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and repeated century after

century till the time of Christ when there was a visible represen-

tation of it. It was then preached by the apostles and the church

ever since. The only message of vital concern to man is the one

that tells him of a Saviour who has made ample provision for his

freedom from sin and the joy of life everlasting.

What makes the message of the first angel so relevant to

man today? Rev. 14:7.

We are living in the hour of judgment. We are living in a day

when people doubt the Creation story as told in Genesis. God's

last message calls men to recognize God as the One who origin-

ated the world and who brings its civilization to an end.

What religious practice affirms the truth of God's creator-

ship? Ex. 20:10, 11.

The issue of the last days includes the matter of the day of

worship: will it be the day which God blessed and Christ claimed

as His own? (See Mark 2:27, 28.) Or will it be the day chosen by

men as the one most convenient for their purposes and sup-

ported by human legislation? When the issue is clear, people

will be called upon to take a stand for the truth, thus receiving

the seal of God, while others will receive a mark in their hands or

in their foreheads, indicating that they choose to serve an

earthly power rather than the plain command of God.

THINK IT THROUGH

Am I making the necessary preparations to be able to stand

when the final crisis comes upon the world? What should I be

doing now?

"The great, grand work of bringing out a people who will have

Christlike characters, and who will be able to stand in the day of

the Lord, is to be accomplished. As long as we sail with the

current of the world we need neither canvas nor oar. It is when

we turn squarely about to stem the current that our labors

begin."—Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 129.

FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 603-606.

Speeding the Second Advent

LESSON 11



❑

Wednesday

March 14

Part 4

THE CHURCH

AND THE WORLD

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

"I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world,

but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil" (John 17:15).

Christians have had a tendency to run away from the world.

But Jesus makes it clear that, although the Christian should

rightly fear certain elements in the world, he can serve a pur-

pose in the world which he cannot accomplish by being out of it.

What should the Christian seek to do while he is in the

world? Matt. 5:13-16.

The Christian is to be in the world in the sense that he makes a

contribution to righteousness and proper behavior; but he is

not of it, because he cannot associate with evildoers in their

sinful practices.

What is one way in which the Christian can avoid being

associated with the world? 2 Cor. 6:14.

The Christian must seek that kind of occupation in which he is

not involved in partnerships that could be embarrassing to his

Christian principles. In the world there are shady practices,

unjust dealings, unfair representation, even outright lying.

Since the Christian can have nothing to do with these things, he

has no option but to separate himself from any activity that

involves such a policy. How can he, with a clear conscience,

profit from a business that deals with products that are un-

healthful? His objectives in life are not merely to gain a living, or

amass wealth, but to represent his Master.

What example did Jesus set of being in the world but not of

it? Acts 10:38.

When Jesus was condemned for eating with sinners He

pointed out that His mission was to bring sinners to repentance.

(See Matt. 9:10-13.)

Why is it that the Christian is disliked even though he is

engaged in good works and stands for principles of right

conduct?

"The world loves sin, and hates righteousness, and this was

the cause of its hostility to Jesus. All who refuse His infinite love

will find Christianity a disturbing element. The light of Christ

sweeps away the darkness that covers their sins, and the need

of reform is made manifest. . . .

"Thus strife is created, and Christ's followers are accused as

troublers of the people."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 306.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

"The Beatitudes"

(Matt. 5:13, 14), pp. 35-44.



Speeding the



Second Advent

LESSON 11



❑

Thursday

March 15



Part 5



"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as

THE FINAL a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour"

STRUGGLE (1 Peter 5:8).

The closing scenes of earth's history will involve a bitter

struggle between the followers of Jesus on one hand and the

followers of the devil on the other. The devil knows that his time

is short, and he makes a supreme effort to deceive the elect so

that they will be destroyed. (See Matt. 24:24.)

In view of the bitterness of the final struggle, what are

Christians admonished to do? Matt. 24:42; 25:13.

There is one area in which we must be especially watchful:

"Satan will constantly present allurements to induce us to break

this tie [Christ's love]—to choose to separate ourselves from

Christ. Here is where we need to watch, to strive, to pray, that

nothing may entice us to

choose

another master; for we are

always free to do this."—Steps

to Christ,

p. 72.

What assurance for the final struggle can we gain from

Paul's remarks in Romans 8:35-39?

The truth of the gospel should be so firmly established in the

heart and mind that nothing can separate the Christian from his

Lord. Yet the devil will present himself as an angel of light, and

his teaching will be so specious that only those who have im-

mersed themselves in the truth will be able to distinguish be-

tween truth and error. As the day of Christ's coming approaches

let us study our Bibles to avoid being deceived by the devil.

There is a danger that we shall underestimate the power of the

evil one and become self-sufficient, relying on our own powers

to gain the victory. It is only as we recognize our weakness and

rely wholly on Christ that we can overcome.

Although the devil is a wily foe, he is a defeated one. "Through

divine strength the weakest saint is more than a match for him

and all his

angels."—Testimonies,

vol. 5, p. 293.



THINK IT THROUGH



What are some of the devil's tricks that we should be wary

of?

"The watchful Christian is a working Christian, seeking zeal-

ously to do all in his power for the advancement of the gospel.

As love for his Redeemer increases, so also does love for his

fellow men. He has severe trials, as had his Master; but he does

not allow affliction to sour his temper or destroy his peace of

mind. He knows that trial, if well borne, will refine and purify

him, and bring him into closer fellowship with Christ."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

p. 261.



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 607-610.

Speeding the Second Advent

LESSON 11



❑

Friday

March 16

Part 6



"I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that

EVERYONE is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye

INVOLVED have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children,

because ye have known the Father" (1 John 2:13).

John in his letter writes to everyone, because he knows that

everyone is involved in the struggle against evil. The old, the

young, and the very young—all have characteristics that are

important in the controversy.

Whom does the prophet Joel include in the preparation for a

time of emergency? Joel 1:14; 2:15-17, 28.

Sometimes the leaders are saddled with the responsibility of

doing everything for themselves and the people. But this situa-

tion is not biblical. All God's people have specific tasks, and

only as each one does what he can according to his talent can

every emergency be met and overcome.

There is no greater urgency than that of being ready for and

speeding the second advent. If Jesus' coming has been delayed,

this is no reason why believers should be lax. On the contrary, it

means that a Laodicean church needs to awake out of slumber,

and all see to it that the delay is not on their account.

What central theme do you find in the parable recorded in

Matthew 18:11-14?

It is very human to think that some people are more important

than others. And it is true that some people have more talents

than others. But everyone has at least one talent. The work is of

such a nature that every talent is needed, every person has a

part to play in the area where he finds himself. He cannot put his

duty on someone else.

THINK IT THROUGH

Why does God often choose the weak things of this world to

accomplish His purposes?

"Christ has given to the church a sacred charge. Every

member should be a channel through which God can com-

municate to the world the treasures of His grace, the u nsearch-

able riches of Christ. There is nothing that the Saviour desires

so much as agents who will represent to the world His Spirit and

His character. There is nothing the world needs so much as the

manifestation through humanity of the Saviour's love. All

heaven is waiting for men and women through whom God can

reveal the power of Christianity."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

p. 600.

FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

vol. 9, pp. 125-130.

95 '

LESSON 12 March 18-24

Rich in Isaac works

"Was not Abraham our father

justified by works, when he had

offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Seest thou how faith wrought with his

works, and by works was faith made

perfect?" (James 2:21, 22).

In the mind of many there is

confusion between faith and works.

Such an emphasis has been made on

faith, that some think works are

unnecessary, or even detrimental.

They think that all they need is a

mental faith in order to enter into the

kingdom.

Faith is basic and important, but

faith without works is dead. (See

James 2:20,26). Genuine faith leads to

works which are the evidence of faith.

The Christian is a person of faith, but

the life is one of active service in which

he lives out his faith.

In our lesson this week we study the

life of the Christian as he expresses his

faith in works. Being rich in good

works is a kind of investment safer

than any financial provision that can

be made for the future. (See 1 Tim.

6:17-19.) In this regard he is very

different from those in the world who

think that their wealth is a source of

pride and security. The Christian

recognizes that his only trust is in God,

and that true greatness is expressed in

service. (See Mark 9:35.) It is his

privilege to share his blessings with

others, even to give a cup of cold water

to the thirsty and a loaf of bread to the

hungry. It is interesting to note that

every service has its reward. (See Mark

9:41.) It is not that the Christian works

for a reward; if he did, his motives

might be impugned. He serves his

fellowmen in need out of love to God,

without thought of reward. Yet a

reward will come to him, for God

never accepts a service for nothing.

Furthermore, every good deed

performed for someone is considered

to be done for God. In the judgment

some will be rejected because they did

not feed the hungry, visit the sick, or

show concern for those in prison. It

will be clearly stated that in neglecting

these duties they were neglecting to

do anything for their Lord. On the

other hand, those who fed the hungry,

visited the sick, andprisoners will be

as having done these things

to Jesus. There will always be

emergencies, times when human

suffering calls for sacrificial help. The

Christian considers these occasions as

opportunities to show love for God

and concern for the kingdom.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

Works of Faith

(James 2:21)

Greatness in Service

(Mark 9:3.5)

Standard of Judgment

(Eccl. 12:14)

Organized for Needs

(Acts 6:3)

Meeting Emergencies

(Isa. 58:6, 7)

Works Rewarded

(Matt. 10:42)

JOAN WALTER

Rich in Good Works

LESSON 12



❑

Sunday

March 18

Part 1



"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he

WORKS had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?" (James 2:21)

OF FAITH

James seems to contradict Paul's emphasis on justification

by faith. In fact, Paul seems to depreciate the value of works.

(See Rom. 4:2.) As a result some scholars—even Luther

himself—have questioned the teaching of James. But a careful

study of both James and Paul will show that there is no con-

tradiction between the two.

What does James say about the place of faith in the life of

the Christian? James 2:22.

Faith is a basic attitude to God. (See Heb. 11:6.) All those in

the past and the present (and the future) who enter the kingdom

of heaven will do so because they were men of faith. But works

are a mirror that reflect faith, the evidence that faith exists.

Abraham had that kind of faith, and was justified.

What Is taught by James's illustration about the belief of

devils? James 2:19.

Many know the truth but do not live up to it. Some make

promises but never fulfill them. James points out that there

must be a close relationship between faith and works if faith is

to be meaningful and works valuable. He is not contrasting faith

and works, but rather two kinds of faith, one with works and the

other without. The first is living, the second dead.

If a man's works are divorced from his faith, the faith is

spurious. Or it is possible that he will try, without faith, to keep

the law in order to earn salvation. But this is legalistic and futile.

(See Gal. 3:11.) Only when a man's life of good works springs

from faith in God, a daily trusting and seeking to know His will,

can that life be a beautiful and glorious and working expression

of what it means to be saved. It is to be hoped that every

Christian, even as was his Master, is rich in such good works.

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

What are the motives behind my actions? Am I kind and

loving because I want to project an image of being good? Do I

do some things because I do not want to show a lack of

Christian commitment?

"It is not the great results we attain, but the motives from

which we act, that weigh with God. He prizes goodness and

faithfulness more than the greatness of the work accom-

plished."—Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 510, 511.

"Every follower of Christ should daily examine himself, that

he may become perfectly acquainted with his own conduct"—

Testimonies,

vol. 2, p. 511.

Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 278, 279.

Rich in Good Works

LESSON 12



❑

Monday

March 19



Part 2



"He sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If

GREATNESS any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and



IN SERVICE



servant of all" (Mark 9:35).

The principles of Christ's kingdom are the exact opposite of

those in the world. People on the whole want to be served rather

than to serve. They would rather give orders than receive them.

What contrast did Jesus make between leaders in the

church and leaders in the world? Matt. 20:25-28.

The Christian must reject the idea of grasping authority. He

seeks to follow in the footsteps of his Master. He finds greatest

joy and fulfillment in service. In everything that he does,

whether he is choosing an occupation and training for it, or

actually following a vocation in life, he has in mind that he will

be helpful to others.

It takes the grace of God to have such an objective. All around

us are those who have selfish motives. Some have these selfish

motives even in spiritual matters. Some are busy with church

affairs because they seek self-gratification. This kind of activity

is no whit different from the life of the Pharisees. It causes

people to misinterpret Scriptures and fail to understand the

teachings of the gospel, even as people did in the time of Jesus.

Just as Jesus rejected Pharisaism, so today the Christian must

turn away from all self-seeking and hypocrisy. But this is possi-

ble only through the power of God.

To what extent did Jesus serve humanity? Matt. 20:28.

Jesus set out to do the Father's will. (See John 4:34.) In doing

this he was best meeting the needs of men. Here is a clue to our

finding true greatness in service. It is not when we go out with a

conscious effort to serve that we render the best service; but it is

when we ask God to lead and to guide, and when we ask for

grace to follow in His leading, that our lives can be truly great

because they are found in the furrow of the world's greatest

needs.

THINK IT THROUGH

How would you show that the life of service is a life of joy and

satisfaction? Why Is the life of service linked to true great-

ness?

"Those who are the partakers of the grace of Christ will be

ready to make any sacrifice, that others for whom He died may

share the heavenly gift. They will do all they can to make the

world better for their stay in

it."—Steps to Christ,

p. 78.

FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

vol. 4, pp. 223-227.

Rich in Good Works

LESSON 12



❑

Tuesday

March 20

Part 3



"For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every

STANDARD secret thing, whether it be good, or whether It be evil" (Eccl.

OF JUDGMENT 12:14).

It can be frightening to know that everything we do will come

up in the judgment and that we shall be held accountable for our

actions, whether they be open or secret, good or bad.

How did Jesus describe the process of judgment? Matt.

25:31-46.

The Christian does service for Christ when he aids human

need. Christ's words to "sheep" and "goats" show that Christ

so identifies Himself with people that He considers deeds done

to them as done to Himself. Do we make that equation?

One of the lessons of this passage is that no true Christian

would ever dream of not meeting a need of Christ if He should

present Himself. The Christian should see in every person Christ

Himself asking for help. Is this the way we see appeals that are

made to us, or are we only conscious of the human element? Do

we tire of appeals because we think they have human origin?

It is remarkable that the "sheep" were not aware that they

were doing anything for the Master when they were meeting the

needs of "one of the least" of their fellowmen. What does this

tell you? Does it mean that the Christian meets a need on the

basis of need, without regard to the "quality" of the person

being helped? Does the expression, "one of the least," suggest

someone who does not deserve our help? Can it be that the

Christian is so full of good deeds that he cannot and does not

keep count of them, let alone remember them, or even think of

them as good deeds since they are so natural a part of his life?

The Bible makes it plain that everything is recorded in the

books of heaven, and people are held accountable for their

conduct. This should cause us to pause in all solemnity and ask

ourselves whether we shall be able to face the charges that can

be brought against us. Then we should confess our sins and ask

for grace so to live that we may more perfectly reflect the image

of Jesus who always went about doing good. We must not do

nothing; we must do something, constrained by the love of

Christ.

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

100

Is God fair to bring every "work" into judgment? How can

one make sure that he will not be ashamed in the day that God

separates the "sheep" from the "goats"?

"God's love has been expressed in His justice no less than in

His mercy. Justice is the foundation of His throne, and the fruit

of His love. . . .

"God will vindicate His law and deliver His people."—The

Desire of Ages,

pp. 762, 763.

The Desire of Ages,

pp. 637-641.

Rich in Good Works

LESSON 12



❑

Wednesday

March 21

Part 4



What kind of men were chosen to care for various aspects of

ORGANIZED business in the early church?

FOR NEEDS

"Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of

honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we

may appoint over this business" (Acts 6:3).

The early church soon found it necessary to organize itself for

the care of the needy in its midst. There can be no question

about the importance of welfare activity.

The church exists to provide for people's physical and

spiritual needs. Too often the emphasis is on the spiritual with-

out regard for the physical. But the two must go together; the

one without the other is unsatisfying and unbalanced.

What was one way that Jesus showed that He was in-

terested In the physical needs of the people with whom He

was associated? Matt. 14:16.

Unfortunately some people are interested only in what they

can put in their stomachs. Jesus met such people on the day

after the miracle of the loaves and the fishes and rebuked them

for their shortsighted interests. (See John 6:25-29.) The prime

objective of all missionary endeavor is that people come to

know God and believe on Him. (See verse 29.) But in this life

people have their very real physical needs, and it is idle to think

that the church and its leadership can neglect these needs.

It is noteworthy that the first deacons were men of spiritual

stature. We do not know much about some of them, but we do

know about Stephen and Philip, the one a martyr and the other

an evangelist with four daughters who prophesied. (See Acts

6:5, 8; 7:58; 8:5, 27; 21:8.) Any and all who take part in the

service of the church, whether it be preaching or caring for the

details of church management, must be men and women of

God. Only in this way can they provide for the whole needs of

man.

THINK IT THROUGH

How would you establish a balance between welfare work

for the community and evangelistic outreach? How could a

church fail by being engaged only in one phase or the other?

"The appointment of the seven to take the oversight of special

lines of work, proved a great blessing to the church. These

officers gave careful consideration to individual needs as well

as to the general financial interests of the church, and by their

prudent management and their godly example they were an

important aid to their fellow officers in binding together the

various interests of the church into a united whole."—The

Acts

of the Apostles,

p. 89.

FURTHER STUDY



The Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 87-91.

101

Rich in Good Works

LESSON 12



❑

Thursday

March 22

Part 5



What persons does Isaiah mention as objects of aid in the

MEETING true fast?

EMERGENCIES

"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of

wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the op-

pressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal

thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are

cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou

cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own

flesh?" (Isa. 58:6, 7)

Ellen White urges that we ought to read Isaiah 58, and after

quoting a number of verses she says: "This is the special work

now before

us."—Testimonies,

vol. 2, pp. 33, 34.

Life has many emergency situations. They are often tragic but

they are also golden opportunities for someone to do good.

It is not always easy to ask for help. Some people would rather

suffer. But the Christian will make it his business to know the

needs of people in the area he lives in.

What lessons are there for us in the experience of Elijah and

the widow of Zarephath? 1 Kings 17:10-16.

"Angels are waiting to see if we embrace opportunities within

our reach of doing good—waiting to see if we will bless others,

that they in their turn may bless us. The Lord Himself has made

us to differ,—some poor, some rich, some afflicted,—that all

may have an opportunity to develop character. The poor are

purposely permitted to be thus of God, that we may be tested

and proved, and develop what is in our

hearts."—Testimonies,

vol. 2, p. 28.

What does the story of Joseph teach about how to relate to

emergencies? Gen. 41:33-37.

Adequate preparation needs to be made for future needs and

for emergency situations. The individual and the church must

be ready to meet needs when they arise.

THINK IT THROUGH

Why are some people not ready to help in time of an

emergency? What blessing do they lose?

"From what has been shown me, Sabbath keepers are grow-

ing more selfish as they increase in riches. Their love for Christ

and His people is decreasing. They do not see the wants of the

needy, nor feel their sufferings and sorrows. They do not realize

that in neglecting the poor and the suffering they neglect Christ,

and that in relieving the wants and sufferings of the poor as far

as possible, they minister to

Jesus."—Testimonies,

vol. 2, p. 24.

FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

vol. 2, pp. 24-31.

102

Rich in Good Works

LESSON 12



❑

Friday

March 23

Part 6



"Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones

WORKS a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say

REWARDED unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward" (Matt. 10:42).

Life may be hard, events may involve sacrifice, but the Chris-

tian has a future joy to which he can look. This will make the past

seem negligible as far as pain or suffering is concerned.

What did Jesus say was a Christian's cause for rejoicing?

Matt. 5:12.

No one suffers in the long run when he is faithful to God and

acts as a good steward. God pays good wages. The wages far

outweigh the services rendered. This is made clear by the para-

ble of the laborers in the vineyard. (See Matt. 20:1-16.)

Some people accuse the Christian of being one who is look-

ing forward to "pie in the sky." But the fact is that Christians

receive a reward right in this life for many of the things that they

do. Luke gives an interesting example of this in Luke 5:1-11. The

disciples had toiled all night fishing and gained nothing. Jesus

got into one of the boats in the morning and asked that He be

rowed a little distance from the shore so that He could use it to

speak to the people without having the people pressing around

Him. When Jesus completed His discourse, He told the fisher-

men to go out for a catch, which they did, and they received a

draught of fishes which more than compensated for Jesus' use

of the boat for a short period of time. It is no wonder that the

disciples decided that they would follow Jesus.

What did Jesus assure His disciples about a reward? Luke

18:30.

The Christian does not work for a reward, so that the reward is

in the nature of a bonus. But a reward is always pleasant to

receive! The Christian can rest assured that he is not wasting his

time, nor are his efforts unnoticed. He is working for a Lord and

Master who recognizes everyone's need and gives generously

out of His limitless bounties.

THINK IT THROUGH

Contrast the wages of sin with the gift of God. Why is God so

good a Master? What experiences have you had that show

that God is exceedingly generous with you?

"When Christ abides in the soul, the thought of reward is not

uppermost. This is not the motive that actuates our service....

God desires us to appreciate His promised blessings. But He

would not have us eager for rewards nor feel that for every duty

we must receive compensation."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

p. 398.

FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"The Reward of Grace," pp. 395-404.

103

LESSON 13 March 25-31

nekoicira:,,



Lord

"Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the

Lord. To write the same things to you,

to me indeed is not grievous, but for

you it is safe" (Phil.

3:1).

Paul wants the members of the

church at Philippi to be happy. As he

brings his letter to a close, he says,"I

wish you all joy in the Lord" (4:4, NEB).

He repeats his wish in 4:4, "1 want you

to be happy, always happy in the Lord;

I repeat, what I want is your

happiness" (Jerusalem).

Why this emphasis on joy and



happiness? Can the Christian truly be

happy in a world of sin? Can he

experience joy in the midst of pain and

suffering?

In our lesson this week we explore

the Christian's joy and happiness. We

discover, beneath the surface of

conflict and disappointment,

satisfaction that the struggle will not

be long. Christ has already gained the

victory over sin and made His victory

available to all who will grasp it. The

evil surrounding us only convinces us

that we do not wish to have anything to

do with it, and one day soon it will be

destroyed. In fact the evil is already

being overcome with good, and so we

rejoice.

One source of joy and happiness is

our heavenly Father who is revealed in

His Word. Prophets in days of old said

that they found light and direction in

the word of God, and Jeremiah said:

"Thy words were found, and I did eat

them; and thy word was unto me the

joy and rejoicing of mine heart" (Jer.

15:16). Can you witness to the same

experience with your Bible?

The born-again Christian finds all

things new. He is happy that he can

follow in the Master's footsteps. The

world has no more attraction for him,

and with the blessings of God he

cannot help but be happy. Even when

he is persecuted or thrown into

prison, he is still happy because he has

been found worthy to suffer as Jesus

suffered.

This experience of joy in the midst of

hardship is very hard for people of the

world to understand or appreciate,

but that is because they do not know

that the Christian has entered into a

fellowship of believers, a family of

men and women in Christ who all

share in the joy of victory and success.

And in particular they all join in the

hope of the second coming, the

blessed hope. Their spirits are buoyed

up, because they know that soon the

controversy will be over and Jesus will

come to take them home.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

The Joy of Salvation

(1 Peter 1:8, 9)

The Joy of God's Word

(Jer. 15:16)

The Joy of the Abundant Life

(John 10:10)

The Joy of Sharing Christ's

Suffering (Acts 5:41)

The Joy of Fellowship

(1 Thess. 3:9)

The Joy of Christ's Return

(Titus 2:13)

D. TANK

Rejoicing in the Lord

LESSON 13



❑

Sunday

March 25



Part 1



"Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye

THE JOY OF see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable

SALVATION and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the

salvation of your souls" (1 Peter 1:8, 9).

Peter writes to "God's scattered people" (1 Peter 1:1, NEB)

that they have been born to an inheritance "that nothing can

destroy or spoil or wither. It is kept for you in heaven, and you,

because you put your faith in God, are under the protection of

his power until salvation comes" (verses 4, 5, NEB).

What does Peter say is the result of such an inheritance?

1 Peter 1:6.

What greater inheritance can one fall heir to than salvation?

We have a Saviour who can save "to the uttermost" (Heb. 7:25;

"save absolutely," NEB). We have a God who can and will keep

His promise. No wonder there is a superabounding joy in the

heart of the Christian even when he is passing through difficult

circumstances and may have a few trials to bear.

What strengthened Jesus so that He could endure the

cross? Heb. 12:2.

Jesus could see the future results of the present conflict. For

Him that future was everything. So it should be with the Chris-

tian.

But there should be joy in the present too. Have you met

those who are always complaining about their inadequacies

and mistreatment?

"Many, walking along the path of life, dwell upon their mis-

takes and failures and disappointments, and their hearts are

filled with grief and discouragement. . . .

"It is not wise to gather together all the unpleasant recollec-

tions of a past life,—its iniquities and disappointments,—to talk

over them and mourn over them until we are overwhelmed with

discouragement. A discouraged soul is filled with darkness,

shutting out the light of God from his own soul and casting a

shadow upon the pathway of others."—Steps

to Christ,

pp. 116,

117.



THINK IT THROUGH



Although Jesus was "a man of sorrows, and acquainted

with grief," how did His life affect others?

"Though His life was self-denying and shadowed with pain

and care, His spirit was not crushed. His countenance did not

wear an expression of grief and repining, but ever one of peace-

ful serenity. His heart was a wellspring of life, and wherever He

went He carried rest and peace, joy and gladness."—Steps

Christ,

p. 120.



FURTHER STUDY



Steps to Christ,

"Rejoicing in the Lord," pp. 115-126.

106

Rejoicing in the Lord

LESSON 13



❑

Monday

March 26

Part 2

THE JOY OF

GOD'S WORD

"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word

was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called

by thy name, 0 Lord God of hosts" (Jer. 15:16).

Jeremiah had a very hard time as a prophet. He saw the flower

of Judean youth taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar in 605 B.C.

He saw Jerusalem besieged in 597 B.C. and then the temple

destroyed in 586 B.C. His own countrymen refused to accept his

messages and looked upon him as a traitor. Yet he says he

found joy in the word that came to him from God.

What does the psalmist extol in Psalm 19:7, 8?

Do we recognize the value of the Bible? Do we find the truths

of God fascinating, enlightening, reviving? Do we find God's

words sweeter than honey and more precious than gold?

The Word of God is the word of life. It tells us where we came

from and where we are going. It explains life and the conflict

that we see between good and evil. The light shining from the

Word of God gives deep meaning to life.

Because of the revelation of God in His Word the Christian

can go on his way rejoicing. He can be an optimist because he

knows that truth will triumph in the end. Being on the side of

truth he has nothing to fear and everything to be happy about.

In John 15:11, what reason did Jesus give for the teachings

He had just imparted?

Jesus told His disciples that He treated them as friends, not as

servants, because He let them into all the secrets that the Father

had revealed to Him. (See John 15:15.) This grace whereby God

takes us into His council and treats us, not as we deserve, but as

He would have us to be, His sons and daughters, is a reason for

great rejoicing. We find ourselves lifted up to a position of

honor, and the least that we can do is to be appreciative and live

up to our privileges.



THINK IT THROUGH



How does one discover the sweetness of the Word of God?

"When a real love for the Bible is awakened, and the student

begins to realize how vast is the field and how precious its

treasure, he will desire to seize upon every opportunity for

acquainting himself with God's word. Its study will be restricted

to no special time or place. And this continuous study is one of

the best means of cultivating a love for the Scriptures.

" ... Let the youth of today, the youth who are growing up with

the Bible in their hands, become the recipients and the chan-

nels of its life-giving energy, and what streams of blessing

would flow forth to the

world!"—Education,

pp. 191, 192.



FURTHER STUDY



Education,

pp. 189-192.

107

Rejoicing in the Lord

LESSON 13



❑

Tuesday

March 27

Part 3

THE JOY OF

THE ABUNDANT

LIFE

THINK IT THROUGH

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might

have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).

Fullness of life is another blessing the Christian can enjoy.

Being born again, he is free from the bondage of sin, from the

shackles of a lower nature that drags him down to despair.

What does Paul say is the result of being in Christ? 2 Cor.

5:17.

We all know the experience of having something new. We

delight in its newness, its beauty, its efficiency, its charm. Life is

lifted to a new level of enjoyment when we have new things

around us. God will make all things new. That is a time we can all

anticipate with joy. But the joys are not all future; even in this life

we can enter into the joy of being a new creation.

Ellen White wrote: "The Lord desires us to appreciate the

great plan of redemption, to realize our high privilege as the

children of God, and to walk before Him in obedience, with

grateful thanksgiving. He desires us to serve Him in newness of

life, with gladness every day. He longs to see gratitude welling

up in our hearts because our names are written in the Lamb's

book of life, because we may cast all our care upon Him who

cares for us. He bids us rejoice because we are the heritage of

the

Lord."—Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 299.

How did the Ethiopian eunuch respond after he had been

told the meaning of the Bible and had been baptized? Acts

8:39.

There is great pleasure in following in the Master's footsteps.

When we can see the truth plainly and we do what we know is

right, then there is peace and joy.

What picture do we get of the city of Samaria after Philip had

been there and preached Christ? Acts 8:8.

"Joy in the Holy Spirit is health-giving, life-giving joy. In giving

us His Spirit, God gives us Himself, making Himself a fountain of

divine influences, to give health and life to the world."—

Testimonies, vol.

7, p. 273.

"Have there not been some bright spots in your experience?

Have you not had some precious seasons when your heart

throbbed with joy in response to the Spirit of God? When you

look back into the chapters of your life experience, do you not

find some pleasant pages? Are not God's promises, like the

fragrant flowers, growing beside your path on every hand? Will

you not let their beauty and sweetness fill your heart with

joy?"—Steps to Christ,

p. 117.

FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"The Lord's Vineyard," pp. 296-301.

108

Rejoicing in the Lord

LESSON 13



❑

Wednesday

March 28



Part 4



"They departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing

THE JOY OF that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name"

SHARING (Acts 5:41).

CHRIST'S



SUFFERING



Can you imagine apostles going home rejoicing after a beat-

ing? Incredible! Not a very human reaction! The tendency today

would be to call in a lawyer and institute legal proceedings.

After all, it was unjust to beat them for teaching and preaching

the truth. Does not a person have to stand up for his rights? But

the apostles went home rejoicing.

How did Jesus say His disciples would be treated? Matt.

10:17.

Jesus warned His disciples that they would suffer persecution

when they witnessed to the truth, but the fact is that not

everyone suffers persecution. Some Christians wonder whether

there is anything the matter with them when they are not being

persecuted. Some have a persecution complex and like to invite

trouble for themselves. Should the Christian be concerned

about persecution?

If persecution does not come, then we can rejoice that we are

free from trials and hardship, unless it is that we are being left

alone because we are doing no good!

If persecution comes, then we can rejoice as did the apostles

that we have been counted worthy to suffer indignity for our

Master's name. In either case we rejoice. "God in His great love

is seeking to develop in us the precious graces of His Spirit. He

permits us to encounter obstacles, persecution, and hardships,

not as a curse, but as the greatest blessing of our lives."—

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

p. 117.

Persecution in the past gave the early church an impetus to

carry the gospel to the world. Persecution in the future will help

distinguish the real Christian from the false. The true Christian

rejoices that he can have a part. in the controversy between

good and evil, and he prays that he may be a good soldier of

Jesus Christ who knows how to take battle wounds and rejoices

in the battles gained.



THINK IT THROUGH



What is the secret of rejoicing even in the most trying cir-

cumstances?

"So long as we do not consent to sin, there is no power,

whether human or satanic, that can bring a stain upon the soul.

A man whose heart is stayed upon God is just the same in the

hour of his most afflicting trials and most discouraging sur-

roundings as when he was in prosperity, when the light and

favor of God seemed to be upon

him."—Thoughts From the

Mount of Blessing,

p. 32.



FURTHER STUDY



Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

"The Beatitudes"

(Matt. 5:10), pp. 29-31.

109

Rejoicing in the Lord

LESSON 13



❑

Thursday

March 29

Part 5



"How can we thank God enough for you, for all the joy we

THE JOY OF feel before our God on your account?" (1 Thess. 3:9,

FELLOWSHIP Jerusalem)

There can be no communion between light and darkness.

(See 2 Cor. 6:14.) But the fellowship of believers has common

objectives and interests, and this association with others brings

the Christian great joy.

In the parables of Luke 15 what can we learn about joy? (See

verses 6, 9, 32.)

"Never think that you can be Christians and yet withdraw

yourselves within yourselves. Each one is a part of the great web

of humanity, and the experience of each will be largely deter-

mined by the experience of his associates. . . .

. . . Fellowship with one another should make us glad."—

Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 362.

(See Acts 2:42.)

No one denies the importance of right teaching in the church

or of prayer and "breaking of bread." But apparently there is

something else that is equally important—fellowship.

"After the descent of the Holy Spirit the disciples went forth to

proclaim a risen Saviour—their one desire, the salvation of

souls. They rejoiced in the sweetness of the communion with

saints. They were tender, thoughtful, self-denying, willing to

make any sacrifice for the truth's sake. In their daily association

with one another they revealed the love that Christ had com-

manded them to reveal. By unselfish words and deeds they

strove to kindle this love in other

hearts."—Testimonies,

vol. 8,

p. 241.

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

110

What was Paul's attitude when

prayed for the Philip-

pians? Phil. 1:3-5.

Fellowship basically means partnership. Paul was delighted

that the members of the Philippian church had responded in

sharing with him the work of the gospel. Christians are drawn

closer to Christ and to one another when they are engaged in

gospel service.

What is a solution to the feeling of loneliness? How can the

church meet the needs of the lonely and withdrawn?

"Many are suffering from maladies of the soul far more than

from diseases of the body, and they will find no relief until they

shall come to Christ, the wellspring of life.... Satisfying joys will

give vigor to the mind and health and vital energy to the

body."—Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 579.

First John, chapter one.

Rejoicing in the Lord

LESSON 13



❑

Friday

March 30



Part 6



"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing

THE JOY OF of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13).

CHRIST'S



RETURN



The Christian has many reasons for rejoicing, but perhaps the

most exciting is what Paul calls the "blessed hope."

Two men dressed in white stood by the disciples who were

gazing into heaven. Jesus slowly ascended from their sight. The

two, who were angels, announced that Jesus would come again

"in like manner." Ever since that moment the church has looked

forward to the second advent. His coming continues to be the

living hope of many Christians today.

What does Paul say Christians do as they hold hope? Rom.

12:12.

The second coming of Jesus puts an end to all separation.

Disciples are united with their Master. The righteous dead are

brought to life and meet their loved ones. This mortal puts on

incorruption. (See 1 Cor. 15:53.) There is no more sighing, no

more pain. There can only be joy forevermore. This is the hope

of all hopes, the glorious climax of over six thousand years of

struggle. It is no wonder that Christians look forward to this

event as the solution to all the problems of the world.

What advice does James give in relation to the second

advent? James 5:7, 8.

There may be the danger that some will lose patience because

of apparent delay. But everything, even delays, can be a part of

God's providence. We should not question God's timing. (See

Acts 1:7.) We must rest assured in God's promises, and by faith

rejoice in His future coming as though it were a part of today's

happening. Just as the child jumps with glee when the parent

promises a gift to be given on a birthday or at Christmastime, so

the Christian looks forward to a future event with present joy,

knowing that God's promises are sure. (Read Heb. 10:35-39.)

THINK IT THROUGH

How can so-called delays in the second coming turn out to

be blessings?

"Every step in life may bring us closer to Jesus, may give us a

deeper experience of His love, and may bring us one step nearer

to the blessed home of peace. Then let us not cast away our

confidence, but have firm assurance, firmer than ever before."

—Steps to Christ,

p. 125.

"God wants you to work, not with self-disparagement nor in

discouragement, but with the strongest faith and hope, with

cheerfulness and joy, representing Christ to the world. The

religion of Jesus is joy, peace, and happiness."—Testimonies,

vol. 5, p. 579.

FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

vol. 2, pp. 192-199.

111



der /1979

Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of the Adult Les-

sons for the second quarter of 1979 will be helped by the following outline

in studying the first two lessons. The title of the series is "The Last Hour."

First Lesson

FUTURE EVENTS. Memory verse, Rom. 13:11-14.

Events During Probation-I (Amos 9:9).

Events During Probation-II (Rev. 7:3).

Events During Probation-III (Rev. 13:15-17).

The Time of Trouble (Dan. 12:1).

Events During the Time of Trouble (Rev. 16:1-21).

Events From the Liberation of the Saints to the Advent (Rev. 12:11).

Second Lesson

CHRIST WITH HIS CHURCH. Memory verse, (1 Tim. 3:14, 15).

1. Definition and Function (1 Tim. 3:15).

God's Ideal for the Church (Eph. 5:25-28).

Love and Tender Consideration (Isa. 49:16).

Christ With the Church Militant (Matt. 28:18-20).

The Church Triumphant (Rev. 6:2).

Christ, the Head and the Foundation (Col. 1:18).

Lessons in 3raille

The regular Adult Sabbath School Lessons are available free each month in

Braille and 16

rpm records to blind and physically handicapped persons

who cannot read normal inkprint. This includes individuals who because of

arthritis, multiple sclerosis, paralysis, accidents, old age, and so forth,

cannot hold or focus on normal inkprint publications. Contact the Christian

Record Braille Foundation, Box 6097, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506.

LARGE-PRINT

Adult Sabbath School Lessons Available

Large-print Adult Sabbath School Lessons are available.

Compare the two copies held by Elder A. R. Mazat and see

what a help the large print is!

Please send



subscriptions for large-print quarterlies at $5.40

per year to U.S. addresses, $6.60 per year to addresses outside U.S.

Name



Street



City



State (Province)



Zip



Order through your local church lay activities secretary or your Adventist

Book Center.



This offer expires December

31, 1979.

Caught up In a commuter

crunch every mornsng?

Appointments pressing In on an sides?

Too tired to bother with Sabbath school lessons?

Is reading difficult or impossible because of poor eyesight? Can a drooping Interest in

Sabbath school and things spirtlual be the result of Impaired vision?

kids and

errands and laundry and weeds and dishes take up all your time? is going

Sabbath school not what you want It

to be - especially when you didn't read the lesson?

Enjoy the wonderment of

studying

Gods word - His messages of hope and mom* and

encouragement 191 lessons of love. Sabbath school lessons are now available on

cassettes. Veteran theologian Paul C. Neuboch w6 Outdo you *rough the day-by-day

study as

you drive

to work or do the Ironing or sit and Just listen.

Three cassettes ore available each quarter. With a standing order through your local

Adventist Book Center the tapes will automatically come to your home and

NNW

the ABC. Or order disci by using the convenient order blank.

tart my subtalption today. Send me the Sabbath school lessons

hegira

with



I an enclosing 37.20 (per quarter).

(Indicate welch Quarter)

Oleos, FAN)



State



Payment must accompany this order - make check or money order payable to

INTERNATIONAL AUDIO VISUAL MINISTRY, 1100 Rancho Conejo

Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

k [I

nto

Pillars of Mormonism



Douglas V. Pond

Elder Pond, a great-grandson of two of the original

twelve apostles of the Mormon Church, examines the doc-

trines of his parent church, then explains frankly, but kindly,

why he could not continue subscribing to them. The result is

a volume of benefit to all who seek to understand the

teachings of Mormonism as compared to the Bible. Price

$7.95.

PI LLARS

MORMONK

Now you can acquire the detailed knowledge these

authors have prepared for years to share with you —

knowledge that will fill your own spiritual needs or

help you fill the needs of others.

Yours for the Asking



Edwin Gallagher

The product of a pastor's own search for an enjoyable

and satisfying prayer life,

Yours for the Asking

is one book

that might be offered with a money-back guarantee. This

"how-to" book about prayer presents principles that, if

applied to your own prayer habits, assure you of a richer

prayer — and thus Christian — experience. Price $3.50.

Why Teenagers Reject Religion and

What to Do About It



Roger L. Dudley

This in-depth and scientific study into the thinking and

attitudes of academy-aged youth, written by a teacher

who has spent twenty years in youth ministry and holds a

doctorate in educational psychology, explores the causes

of youth alienation and outlines plans to reduce the prob-

lem and establish young people on a firm religious founda-

tion. $4.50.

Order from your local Adventist Book Center or ABC Mailing

Service, P.O. Box 37485, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. In

clude State sales tax where necessary, and add 7 percent



or a minimum charge of 50 cents for mailing. Prices slightly

higher in Canada.



New REVIEW Publications

Canada, Box 398, Oshawa, Ontario, L11-1 7L5. Please in-

Manaus

2.01

NORTH BRAZIL UNION

PERU

14rna



INCA LIMON

Lakriticaca

La Paz

Santa Cruz

de la Sierra

BOLIVIA

(

Campo Grande



Rio

de Janeiro

TRAGUA



Sao Paulo

—^

2iAsu

AUSTRAL

UNION

Santa Fe

Cordoba



ORUGU

Rosario©



et%

Buenos Aires

La Plata

Recife0

SOUTH



salt'

BRAZIL

ARGENTINA

Medical Work in Bolivia

Construction Belgrano Clinic

Construction of New Academy

POPolanon

Churches

Church

Meese

S.S.

Menlo.

Austral

31,098,000

175

35.628

40,190

Chile

10438.920

126

28,892

22.588

East Bracti

64,002,165

261

72 418

76,021

Inca

29288 491

274

90.025

107.089

North Brazil

15.393 009

35,020

44,999

South Brazil

49207.000

398

129.379

148,674

Division

Totals

199.427,585

1,311

391.362

439,561

Tierra

del

Fuego

Belem

South American Division